Helianthus annuus 'Ms Mars'
sunflower
This is just as easy to grow as the more common sunflower, but the reddish brown eye of this one his surrounded by a collar of chunky, reddish pink ‘petals’, which become paler towards their tips. The flowers of Helianthus annus 'Ms Mars' are a magnet for pollinators, and are ideal for cutting.
How to care for Helianthus annuus Ms Mars:
Whilst easy to grow, annual sunflowers in exposed situations may require staking or support. Water deeply but infrequently and feed sparingly to avoid prompting leaf growth over flowers. If you wish to harvest the seed, protect flower head with garden fleece to deter squirrels and birds, or cut the head and dry indoors.
Sowing instructions:
Under glass, start them off in late winter by planting the seeds up to 5cm (2in) deep in deep pots or root trainers filled with good seed compost. When large enough to handle, plant outside in spring after gradually hardening off. Alternatively, sow directly into a well-prepared seed bed in spring and thin to 30cm (12in) as they grow. If sowing outside, temporarily cover the bed with a net to protect the seeds from birds, and keep an eye out for slugs and snails when the seedlings emerge.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.75m
Eventual spread:
0.4m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 20 seeds
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