About
A vigorous, erect annual reaching 4.5m tall, with oval to heart-shaped, hairy, toothed, mid-dark green leaves. Sturdy stems bear large, bright yellow flower heads in Summer followed by edible seeds.
About the genus
Helianthus can be tall, erect annuals, tuberous or rhizomatous perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationSow seeds in humus-rich, moist but free-draining soil in full sun in Spring. Alternatively, seeds can be sown indoors, three weeks before the last frost, in modules then planted out.
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or division. Divide established clumps every 2-4 years to both increase plants and retain vigour. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildew, sclerotinia diseases