Sunflowers in full bloom brighten any garden, their golden heads rising like suns among green leaves. Bees drift among the wide petals, and birds soon follow, drawn by their promise of seeds. There’s a proud charm in sunflowers, their sheer size and colour commanding attention, yet their care is generous to beginner gardeners.
Read our posts on no-dig gardening, and how to create pet-friendly gardens and wildlife-friendly-gardens.
Few flowers spark such instant joy. Sunflowers are a living burst of optimism. Their bold, round faces turn gardens into cheerful spaces, lifting moods and inviting smiles. They seem almost to radiate positivity from every angle. Sunflowers reward simple effort with real beauty.
This post will show you how to grow sunflowers. Learn about their colourful history, how these flowers track the sun, and the easy steps to start sunflower gardening at home. Whether you have a small balcony or a large patch of soil, sunflowers offer a cheerful project with a big pay-off.
Their simple needs suit England’s weather, and their golden petals echo the delight of long summer days. Let’s begin with their fascinating past and the reasons they stand out among garden favourites.
The History of Sunflowers
Sunflowers have been growing alongside humans for centuries, offering more than just a burst of yellow in the garden. Their story is woven through culture and science, bringing together practical value and striking beauty.
Sunflowers began in North America, long before city gardens or allotments. Native American tribes grew them for their edible seeds, oil, and even for dye. The high-protein seeds became food and medicine, while the oil proved useful in cooking and skin care.
By the 16th century, European explorers brought sunflower seeds home, quickly sparking interest for their beauty and seeds. Over generations, Europeans selected bigger, brighter varieties. Today, sunflowers appear everywhere from bird feed mixes to biofuel crops.
Beyond the garden and farm, sunflowers symbolise happiness and hope. Painters like Van Gogh made them icons of joy, using sunflowers to capture light and warmth. Festivals around the world celebrate their arrival, making fields full of blooms the backdrop for photographs and rural celebrations. With each cheerful face, sunflower gardening continues this tradition.
How Sunflowers Follow the Sun
One trait that sets sunflowers apart is their habit of tracking the sun throughout the day. Young sunflowers face east in the morning, turn to follow the sun west by evening, and then reset overnight. This daily dance is called heliotropism.
The trick comes from how the stem grows. One side grows quicker, causing the head to bend in search of light. This helps the plant soak up the energy needed for strong growth and big flowers.
As the plant ages, the movement stops. Mature sunflower blooms stay facing east. This orientation helps the flower warm up quickly, attracting pollinators first thing in the morning.
If you grow sunflowers yourself, watch the stems early in the season. You’ll see the buds turning, almost like they’re greeting each sunrise. It’s a playful reminder of nature’s simple science at work.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grow Sunflowers
Growing sunflowers is simpler than it might seem. With the right steps and a bit of patience, you’ll soon have towering stems and bright flowers. These plants thrive in English gardens, suiting both small and large spaces.
Choosing Seeds and Preparing the Site
Start with good seeds. Buy from a trusted supplier to avoid disappointment. Popular varieties for English gardens include ‘Giant Single’ for classic tall heads and ‘Teddy Bear’ for bushy, smaller blooms perfect for pots.
Pick a spot in your garden or on your balcony that receives sun all day. Sunflowers need at least six hours of sunlight to reach their potential. Well-drained soil is best, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Soil preparation makes a difference:
- Remove weeds and large stones.
- Mix in garden compost to boost nutrients.
- Rake soil until smooth.
Timing matters:
- Sow indoors in pots from March onwards. Never face indoor plants to outdoor gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
- Sow outdoors after the last frost, usually in May.
Spacing:
- Allow 30-45 cm between seeds. This keeps plants from crowding and helps support strong stems.
Planting and Daily Care
- Plant each seed about 2.5 cm deep. Cover gently with soil and water with care so the surface stays moist but not soaked.
- Once seedlings reach 10-15 cm tall, thin them out. Keep only the strongest plants, spaced to grow tall and sturdy.
- For varieties that reach above 1.5 metres, insert a garden cane nearby. Tie the stem gently as it grows. This protects against gusty winds.
- Sunflowers are light feeders. Use fertiliser sparingly once they are established, as too much can lead to fewer flowers and more leaves.
- Add a layer of mulch around the base. This holds in moisture and blocks out weeds.
Keep watch for aphids, especially on new growth. If you spot them, introduce ladybirds, a natural solution. Slugs and snails may nibble the lower leaves, so use humane non-toxic slug/snail deterrents.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Sunflowers
Cut sunflowers for vases in the morning, just as petals begin to open. Use sharp shears and place stems in cool water.
For seeds, let the heads mature outside. When the back of the head turns yellow and the seeds look plump, cut and hang in a dry, airy space. Share seeds with birds, never use netting (it traps birds and wildlife).
Table: Sunflower Harvest Tips
- For vase flowers, cut the stem in early bloom, place in cool water immediately.
- For natural bird food, leave the heads on plants!
Companion plants such as basil and marigold (not near pets, it’s toxic) can help improve flower health and keep unwanted visitors away.
In England, sunflowers grow as annuals—finishing their life cycle each year. Allow some heads to drop seeds for natural reseeding, or collect and store seeds for next spring.
