Care of the plant Helianthus annuus or Common sunflower |
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The genus Helianthus, family Asteraceae, includes 70 species of herbaceous plants native to North America, Chile and Peru. Some species are: Helianthus annuus, Helianthus strumosus, Helianthus decapetalus, Helianthus tuberosus, Helianthus laevigatus, Helianthus atrorubens, Helianthus niveus, Helianthus ciliaris. Common names: Common sunflower, Comb flower, Golden flower of Peru or St Bartholomew's star. This species is native to USA and Canada. They are annual plants with a robust and erect stem that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height; there are dwarf varieties. The lustrous, alternate, oval leaves have serrated edges and are deep green or dark green. The large, showy flowers have yellow petals; there are varieties of other colors. They bloom from early summer to early fall. The seeds are the well-known pipes. They are used in borders, in flowerbeds, in pots for patios and terraces and as cut flowers. Helianthus annuus needs full sun exposure and a warm-temperate climate. Water regularly so that the substrate always remains slightly damp; they do not resist drought or waterlogging well. They grow in any type of soil that has good drainage but prefer deep, cool soils that contain organic matter. Fertilize the substrate with organic matter at the time of planting and with mineral fertilizer every 20 days from late spring to late summer. They do not need pruning but wilted plants are uprooted after flowering. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds sown in late winter; transplant the seedlings when they reach 10 cm (3.93") in height. |
Images of the plant Helianthus annuus or Common sunflower |
 Helianthus annus  Helianthus annus  Helianthus annus |