Here’s everything you need to know about growing sunflowers, including popular varieties, how to start them from seed, and how to harvest your own sunflower seeds at the end of the season.

There’s something magical about sunflowers. Maybe it’s the way they turn their heads toward the sun, or how they can grow taller than your kids over summer break. Whether you’re planting a whole patch or just tucking a few into your garden beds, sunflowers are one of the most rewarding—and joyful—flowers to grow.

Here’s everything you need to know about growing these golden beauties, including popular varieties, how to start them from seed, and how to harvest your own sunflower seeds at the end of the season.

☀️ Why We Love Sunflowers

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are not just beautiful—they’re also incredibly versatile. They attract pollinators, make stunning cut flowers, a

nd can be grown for edible seeds or just pure visual impact. They're also super easy to grow, making them a great choice for first-time gardeners or kids who want to get their hands dirty.

🌻 Types of Sunflowers to Grow

Sunflowers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Here are some popular varieties for you to consider based off of the type of sunflower you love the most:

Giant Sunflowers

• Mammoth Grey Stripe: Can grow up to 12 feet tall! Huge seed heads and perfect for harvesting seeds.

• Russian Mammoth: Another tall favorite, great for borders or garden statements.

  
  

Dwarf Sunflowers

• Teddy Bear: Fluffy, double blooms on compact plants—adorable in containers.

• Sunspot: Reaches just 2-3 feet tall with full-size blooms, ideal for small gardens or pots.

  
  

Colored Sunflowers

• Autumn Beauty: Features a mix of gold, bronze, and burgundy hues.

• Velvet Queen: Deep red blooms that add rich color to your garden.

  
  

Branching Sunflowers

• Italian White: Creamy white petals with chocolate centers, and lots of smaller blooms per plant.

• Soraya: Multiple stems with vivid orange blooms, excellent for cutting.

  
  

  

🌱 Starting Sunflowers from Seed

Sunflowers grow best when sown directly in the ground after the last frost. In the Columbia River Gorge, that usually means planting seeds in late April through early June.

How to Plant:

1. Pick a sunny spot. Sunflowers need at least 6–8 hours of direct sun daily.

2. Prepare the soil. Loosen soil and mix in compost for nutrients and drainage.

3. Plant the seeds. Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart.

4. Water well. Keep soil moist until seedlings sprout (usually within 7–10 days).

5. Thin seedlings. Once they’re a few inches tall, thin to 12–18 inches apart depending on the variety.

Tip: Protect seedlings from birds and slugs in the early days with row cover or garden cloches.

🌾 Growing Tips for Big, Happy Blooms

• Support tall varieties. Use stakes or trellises for plants over 6 feet tall.

• Water deeply. Once established, sunflowers are drought-tolerant, but deep watering encourages strong roots.

• Feed occasionally. A light application of fertilizer mid-season helps boost blooms and seed production.

  
  

🌻 Harvesting Sunflower Seeds

Watching your sunflowers bloom is a treat, but the fun doesn’t stop there! If you’ve grown a seed-producing variety, you can harvest your own sunflower seeds to roast, snack on, or save for next year.

How to Harvest:

1. Wait for the heads to droop. When the back of the flower turns yellow or brown, it’s time.

2. Cut the head. Use garden shears to snip the flower head with about a foot of stem attached.

3. Dry the head. Hang upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area for 1–2 weeks.

4. Rub out the seeds. Once dry, rub the seed head to remove the seeds.

5. Store or roast. Store seeds in a paper bag or roast them with a little salt for a tasty treat!

Pro Tip: Cover the heads with mesh or cheesecloth while they dry to keep birds and critters from stealing your harvest.

🌞 Sunflowers at Good News Gardening

We’ve got all kinds of sunflower seeds and starter plants at the nursery—from towering giants to colorful show-stoppers. Whether you’re planting a pollinator-friendly border or growing a backyard jungle for your kiddos, we’d love to help you pick the perfect varieties for your space.

Stop by Good News Gardening this season and bring a little sunshine home with you.