Russian Giant
Tall, classic single yellow flowers with large heads for cutting and seed.
When to plant Sunflowers in Durham
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.
180 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Durham · average last frost around 10 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds Indoors
5 Apr to 19 AprSow seeds around 5th April - 19th April in individual small pots or deep modules. Cover with of compost, keep them in bright light, and keep the compost just moist while they germinate.
02
Harden Off Seedlings
10 May to 24 MayFrom 10th May to 24th May, move seedlings outside for longer spells each day so they adjust to wind and sun. Keep them sheltered from cold nights and check the compost so the roots do not dry out.
03
Plant Out
24 May to 7 JunPlant out from 24th May 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.
04
Support Young Plants
7 Jun to 2 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 7th June to 2nd August, 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.
05
Deadhead & Maintenance
9 Aug to 16 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 9th August to 16th October, deadhead branching varieties so they keep flowering. For single-stemmed sunflowers, cut the flower for indoor display or leave the head to ripen for seed. Water during dry spells.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Sunflower to consider
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.
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Calabrese
Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June, harvest July to October. Typical frost risk October to May.
Sunflower guides by town
See how Sunflower timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.