Sunflowers in Parsons Green

Helianthus annuus

Sunflower
Sunflower · 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

Add to garden

Calibrated to Parsons Green · last frost ≈ 13 Apr

Sow March to May, plant out April to May, harvest June to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Sunflower

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    23 Mar to 4 May

    Sow seeds around 23rd March - 4th 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.

  2. 02

    Harden Off Seedlings

    20 Apr to 4 May

    From 20th April to 4th 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.

  3. 03

    Plant Out

    27 Apr to 11 May

    Plant out from 27th 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.

  4. 04

    Support Young Plants

    18 May to 29 Jun

    From 18th May to 29th 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.

  5. 05

    Deadhead & Maintenance

    3 Jun to 5 Nov

    From 3rd June to 5th November, 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.

Sunflower guides by town

See how Sunflower timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.