Common sunflower - Helianthus annuus (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Common sunflower

Also known as: Annual sunflower

The common sunflower is recognizable for its bright flower on a very tall stem. It is often grown in gardens. These flowers have been important in culture: they were worshipped by the ancient Inca people, and today, they represent eco-friendly movements. The artist Vincent van Gogh made a famous series of paintings about common sunflower. Wild versions of the plant branch out to many flower heads, but domesticated plants typically only have one.

Scientific classification

Species

Common sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

1 m to 3 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 1 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

10 cm to 30 cm

Flower Size

Black, Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Yellow, Orange, Red, Brown, Black

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Common sunflower

Attributes of Common sunflower

Growth Rate

At a rapid growth rate, common sunflower remarkably thrives in summer: increasing its height rapidly, producing ample broad, ovate leaves and, most notably, swiftly progressing from bud to the iconic radiant, yellow bloom. This growth speed, unique to summer's favorable conditions, yields a prolific number of seeds, buoying its reputation for robust growth and resilience.

Distribution of Common sunflower

Distribution Map

Common sunflower is native to the United States and Mexico, where it grows in prairies and open areas. This plant now has a near global distribution due to its popularity in cultivation. However, it can become weedy in some disturbed areas, and states such as Alaska and Iowa have listed it as invasive.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Plains

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Environmental Protection Value

It can purify the metal content of the soil.

Economic Value

Common sunflower seeds have high oil content and are delicious. As an important oil crop, it can be fried and oil squeezed out. The flower receptacle, stem, and shell can be used as industrial raw materials.

Garden Use

The bright and beautiful common sunflower is a common annual in sunny home gardens. The tall stalks and large sunny blooms make it a beautiful backdrop to many other low-growing flowers in cottage and prairie/meadow gardens. Beans and squash are good veggies to grow with sunflowers, as they help balance the pH in the soil.

Symbolism

Silent love, admiration, loyalty, long life, good fortune

Interesting Facts

It's generally believed that common sunflower always turn the face to the sun while the sun moves across the sky. But in fact, blooming common sunflower always face east.

Name Story

Common sunflower: Generally, most people think that the naming of sunflower is based on the direction of sunrise and sunset. However, this is not the case. Matured sunflower will only face the East and it will not rotate with the direction of the sun. Nevertheless, the misconception of it facing the sun has embedded deeply in people's mind. Hence, it is called common sunflower.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Common sunflower, including the following common varieties :

Common sunflower 'Mammoth Grey Stripe'Common sunflower 'Tall Single'Common sunflower 'Ring of Fire'Common sunflower 'Vincent's Choice'Common sunflower 'Taiyo'Common sunflower 'Strawberry Blonde'Common sunflower 'Gypsy Charmer'Sunsation Yellow Sunflower Common sunflower 'Russian Mammoth'Common sunflower 'Floristan'Common sunflower 'Suntastic Yellow with Black Center'Common sunflower 'Arikara'Common sunflower 'Claret'Common sunflower 'Teddy Bear'Common sunflower 'Evening Sun'Common sunflower 'Firecracker'Common sunflower 'Soraya'

Quickly Identify Common sunflower

Vibrant yellow petals span 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) in diameter.

Rough, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges closely cling to the stem.

Achene fruit is ovoid, enclosed in a fibrous hull, 0.31 to 0.51 inches (8 to 13 mm) long.

Lanceolate leaves up to 12 inches (30 cm) long with prominent vein patterns.

Erect stem covered in rough, coarse hairs, grows 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) tall.

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Care Guide for Common sunflower

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Thriving in open, arid plains, common sunflower has a deep root system for drought tolerance. Watering twice a week is recommended, with thorough watering during the growing season to support rapid growth and blooming, as it is often cultivated for its large flowering heads.

Fertilize: Common sunflower thrives with a balanced, high-phosphorus fertilizer applied monthly during the growing season. Use a slow-release formula at the soil's perimeter to prevent root burn. Reduce feeding in fall for dormancy, and always water thoroughly after application to enhance nutrient absorption.

Pruning: Common sunflower is a tall flowering plant with large blooms. Prune in early to late spring, removing dead stems and lateral shoots. Deadheading promotes continuous blooming, while proper pruning improves air circulation and light access, preventing disease and ensuring a vibrant display throughout the season.

Propagation: Common sunflower propagates best through quality seeds in well-draining, organic-rich soil. Start in pots or trays with a fine seed mix, providing ample sunlight and moisture. Transplant outdoors once seedlings are robust, ensuring full sun exposure for optimal growth.

Repotting: Common sunflower requires excellent drainage when planted in pots to thrive effectively.

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