Sunflowers in Barnton
Helianthus annuus
Fast-growing half-hardy annual grown for bold summer flowers and edible seeds. Sow under cover or direct outside once the risk of frost has passed, then give plants a sunny, sheltered spot and steady watering while they establish.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Sunflower
Planting Calendar
Sow Seeds
24 Mar – 5 MaySow seeds around 24th March - 5th May in small pots or modules, or direct where they are to flower in mild areas. Sow seeds to a depth of and keep the compost just moist while they germinate.
Harden Off Seedlings
21 Apr – 5 MayFrom 21st April to 5th May, move seedlings outside for longer spells each day so they adjust to wind and sun. Keep them sheltered from hard frost and check the compost so the roots do not dry out.
Plant Out
28 Apr – 12 MayPlant out from 28th April once the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed. Space plants apart, water them in thoroughly, and use fleece or a cloche if cold nights are still forecast.
Support Young Plants
19 May – 30 JunFrom 19th May to 30th June, fit a cane or stake beside tall plants before they become top-heavy. Tie stems loosely with soft twine and keep the base weed-free so the roots can spread.
Deadhead & Maintenance
4 Jun – 6 OctFrom 4th June to 6th October, remove fading flowers regularly so the plant keeps producing new blooms instead of putting energy into seed. Water during dry spells, and keep picking off spent heads until the autumn frosts slow growth.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Sunflower.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Sunflower to consider
Russian Giant
Tall, classic single yellow flowers with large heads for cutting and seed.
Mongolian Giant
A very tall variety with broad leaves and large flower heads, good for a bold display.
Teddy Bear
A dwarf, double-flowered type with soft, shaggy blooms for pots and smaller gardens.
Autumn Beauty
A mixed-colour variety with branching stems and several medium-sized flowers on each plant.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.