Helianthus annuus 'Taiyo'
sunflower
Big, bold and beautifully simple, this classic sunflower delivers that unmistakable late-summer glow. Held on strong, single stems, the large flower heads measure up to 25cm (10in) across, with clear golden-yellow petals radiating around a rich chocolate-brown centre.
Reaching around 1.5m (5ft) tall, it grows upright without branching, producing one impressive bloom per stem above soft green foliage. Helianthus annuus ‘Taiyo’ was originally selected in Japan for cut-flower production, so it’s ideal if you want long, sturdy stems for indoor arrangements, but it also looks superb planted in groups at the back of a sunny border.
Give it a spot in full sun with moderately fertile, well-drained soil and it will reward you with reliable summer colour and strong architectural presence.
Reaching around 1.5m (5ft) tall, it grows upright without branching, producing one impressive bloom per stem above soft green foliage. Helianthus annuus ‘Taiyo’ was originally selected in Japan for cut-flower production, so it’s ideal if you want long, sturdy stems for indoor arrangements, but it also looks superb planted in groups at the back of a sunny border.
Give it a spot in full sun with moderately fertile, well-drained soil and it will reward you with reliable summer colour and strong architectural presence.
How to care for Helianthus annuus Taiyo:
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 the 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.
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:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 30 seeds
was £3.49
now £2.97
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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