All You need to Know about Growing Sunflowers

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These beautiful flowers are quickly becoming a favorite of mine. They are one of the easiest flowers to grow and even saving the seeds for future flowers couldn’t be simpler. Let’s dig into the best way to plant, water and enjoy these Summer beauties.

I am always looking for simple ways to make our garden a little more magical without spending a fortune. Last spring, I grabbed a packet of sunflower seeds at the store. Fast forward a few months, and my boys were standing under these giant, golden-headed beauties in awe. It was one of those moments that made me wonder why we don’t see them more often in gardens!

Sunflowers are hands-down one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to grow, especially if you have curious children running around. They grow fast, they are bold and cheerful, and they really do make a garden feel like something out of a storybook. Today, I want to share everything you need to know about growing sunflowers — from choosing the right varieties to saving seeds for next year, and even a few surprising ways they help the earth.

First: Choosing Your Sunflowers

There are so many wonderful types of sunflowers to choose from — far beyond the classic tall yellow ones we all know.

Here are a few favorites to consider:

• Mammoth Russian: These are the giants. They can reach up to 12 feet tall with flower heads the size of dinner plates. Perfect if you want to impress the kids (and the neighbors).
• Teddy Bear: These sunflowers are short, fluffy, and look almost like big yellow pompoms. They grow about 2–3 feet tall and are perfect for smaller hands to admire.
• Autumn Beauty: A beautiful mix of warm colors like rusty reds, golden yellows, and rich oranges. A great choice if you want a little variety.
• Italian White: Soft, creamy white petals with dark centers. A more subtle, elegant look that pairs beautifully with brighter blooms.
• Sunspot: Compact but still bold. These stay about 2 feet tall but offer large, impressive flowers.

We like to plant a mix. A few tall ones for drama, some colorful ones for variety, and a few smaller ones tucked in where space is tight.

Where to Plant Sunflowers

Sunflowers are true sun-lovers. They need a full day of sunshine — at least 6 to 8 hours — to really thrive. It is best to plant them where they will receive direct sunlight all day long, without competition from trees or taller plants.

Directional Tip:
Plant your sunflowers on the north or west side of your garden if you can. This way, as they grow taller, they will not shade out your other plants that also need the sun.

Soil Preferences for Sunflowers

Sunflowers are not fussy, but they do have their preferences if you want them to reach their full, stunning potential.

• They prefer loose, well-draining soil.
• They are heavy feeders, so it helps to work in compost or aged manure before planting.
• If your soil is heavy clay, consider mixing in sand or peat moss to loosen it up a bit. Don’t stress about this, they do okay in clay as well.

A layer of mulch or grass clippings around the base once they are growing can help keep the soil moist and discourage weeds.

How to Plant Sunflowers

Planting sunflowers is so simple, which makes it a perfect project to do with kids.

1. Wait until after your last expected frost and when the soil has warmed to at least 50°F.
2. Use your finger to poke a hole about 1–2 inches deep.
3. Drop in a seed.
4. Cover it loosely with soil and press gently.
5. Water it in carefully.
6. See note below.

Spacing:

• Larger varieties should be spaced 18–24 inches apart.
• Smaller varieties can be planted 12 inches apart.
• Note: I’ve had great success just broadcasting sunflower seeds over the soil, then raking them in. If you want a more natural planting – give this a try! Sunflowers want to grow. Don’t be afraid to try different things.

Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist while the seedlings are establishing themselves. Once the plants are a few feet tall, they become quite drought tolerant. Always try to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves.

Why Sunflowers Are Perfect for Children

There is something magical about how fast sunflowers grow. Children can plant a seed and see it sprout within a week, and from there, it often feels like the plants grow inches overnight.

Sunflowers are:

• Easy to plant and care for.
• Fast to sprout and grow.
• Visited frequently by bees and butterflies.
• Perfect for simple outdoor science lessons, like measuring growth or observing pollinators.
• Full of opportunities for harvesting seeds and learning about plant life cycles.

Growing sunflowers gives children a sense of pride and wonder. Plus, they create beautiful backdrops for summer memories and photos. Don’t forget to cut a few and grace your kitchen table with them!

How Sunflowers Help Clean the Air

One of the most fascinating things about sunflowers is that they are not just beautiful — they are also incredible natural helpers for the environment.

Sunflowers have the unique ability to assist in cleaning the soil and the air through a process called phytoremediation. Their roots act like little sponges, drawing up harmful substances such as heavy metals, toxins, and even some radioactive materials from the soil. While they work below ground, above ground, they are pulling carbon dioxide out of the air and releasing fresh oxygen.

After major environmental disasters, such as nuclear accidents, large fields of sunflowers have been planted to help heal the land. Even in our own backyards, a patch of sunflowers can contribute in a small way to a healthier environment. Planting sunflowers teaches children (and reminds us) that nature has incredible ways of repairing itself — and that we can be a part of that.

How to Save Sunflower Seeds for Next Year

Saving sunflower seeds is a wonderful and economical way to keep the magic going year after year.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Allow the flower heads to fully dry on the plant. You will know they are ready when the back of the flower head turns brown and the seeds look plump and striped. You may need to cover them with a loose cheesecloth to keep the birds from eating them. 🙂
2. Cut the heads off with a few inches of stem attached.
3. Hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated space, like a garage or covered porch, for a couple of weeks.
4. Once dry, rub or brush the seeds loose.
5. Store the seeds in a paper envelope or jar with small ventilation holes, and keep them in a cool, dry place.

If you are saving seeds to replant, it is best to select seeds from the healthiest, strongest plants.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a way to bring a little more wonder into your garden this year without spending much money, sunflowers are a perfect choice. They are simple to grow, endlessly rewarding, and they do good for the world around them.

From tiny hands helping plant the seeds to towering stalks full of life and color, sunflowers are a gift to any garden — and to the children who get to experience them.

If you’re looking for even more easy-to-grow flower ideas, be sure to check out my post No-Fuss Gardening: 12 Flowers That Grow Easily from Seed — it’s full of inspiration to make a gorgeous garden, simply.