Sunflowers - Helianthus (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are favorites of birds and bees. The flowers will rotate throughout the day to face the sun. Commercially grown for its seeds, toasted sunflower seeds are a favorite snack or condiment for salads and other food. Oil extracted from the seeds is also used for cooking.

Scientific classification

Genus

Sunflowers (Helianthus)

Family

Daisy

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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50 cm

Spread

8 cm to 15 cm

Flower Size

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Sunflowers

Species

Common sunflower Jerusalem artichoke Prairie Sunflower Woodland sunflower Thinleaf sunflower Maximilian sunflower Swamp sunflower Beach sunflower Giant sunflower Sawtooth sunflower Hairy sunflower Swollen sunflower Stiff sunflower Purpledisk sunflower Cheerful sunflower Few-leaf sunflower Snowy sunflower Porter's sunflower Rayless sunflower Smith's sunflower Common sunflower 'Mammoth Grey Stripe'Willow-leaf sunflower 'Low Down'Cheerful sunflower 'Lemon Queen'Lemon Queen Sunflower Common sunflower 'Tall Single'Silverleaf sunflower Common sunflower 'Ring of Fire'Jerusalem artichoke 'Fuseau'Common sunflower 'Vincent's Choice'Common sunflower 'Taiyo'Willow-leaf sunflower 'First Light'Common sunflower 'Strawberry Blonde'Common sunflower 'Gypsy Charmer'Sunsation Yellow Sunflower Common sunflower 'Russian Mammoth'Sunflowers 'Happy Days'Common sunflower 'Floristan'Common sunflower 'Suntastic Yellow with Black Center'Common sunflower 'Arikara'Sunflowers 'Loddon Gold'Common sunflower 'Claret'Common sunflower 'Teddy Bear'Common sunflower 'Evening Sun'Common sunflower 'Firecracker'California sunflower Purpledisk sunflower 'Monarch'Common sunflower 'Soraya'

Quickly Identify Sunflowers

Stiff, coarse leaves with a sandpaper-like texture

Large, radiant, daisy-like flowers with a spectrum of hues

Self-seeding and spreading tendency in various landscapes

Bright and colorful ray florets surrounding central disc of yellow, brown, or red disc florets

Petals arranged in a radiating pattern, lack strong scent

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Care Guide for Sunflowers

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Thriving in open fields, sunflowers adapt to drought and prefer moderate hydration. They require weekly watering for robust growth and sunny blooms, benefiting from natural rainfall to maintain consistent moisture during the growing season.

Propagation: Sunflowers propagation primarily occurs through seed sowing. Key factors include full sunlight, temperatures of 21-29°C (70-85°F), and well-draining soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep with 6-inch spacing in rows 76 cm (30 inches) apart. Thin seedlings to 61 cm (2 feet) apart after 7-10 days.

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Learn More About Sunflowers

How to Grow and Care

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