- From dwarf sunflowers to giant sunflowers
- The size of the flowers
- Grow small varieties in pots
- Plant giant sunflowers on fences
- tips and tricks
When it comes to sunflowers, most people think of the giant plants that can grow to over ten feet tall and sport plate-sized flowers. But with the great variety of sunflowers, there are also very small varieties that only have small flowers.
From dwarf sunflowers to giant sunflowers
The gardener speaks of an average sunflower size when the plants grow two to three meters high.
However, there are also varieties that grow much smaller or much larger. Dwarf sunflowers only reach a height of 20 to 30 centimeters, while giant sunflowers reach over four meters.
- Dwarf sunflowers 20 to 30 cm
- Normal sunflowers 150 to 300 cm
- Giant sunflowers 400 to 500 cm
The size of the flowers
The flower heads can also be very different in size. The flowers of small varieties are 10 to 20 centimeters in diameter, while the flowers of giant sunflowers are over 40 centimeters in diameter. Varieties with a flower diameter of 60 centimeters have even been bred. So far, however, these varieties are only available in the USA.
The smaller the flowers, the more flower heads can appear on a plant. The large varieties usually only grow a single, but huge flower.
Grow small varieties in pots
Small varieties are better suited for pot care. If you would like to try growing a large sunflower in a tub on the patio, sow it in a pot that is as deep as possible.
Plant giant sunflowers on fences
Giant sunflowers are also known as American Giants. They can reach up to five meters in height. However, they require a lot of care.
If you want to grow sunflowers that large, you not only need to water the plants frequently, but above all, you need to provide them with regular fertilizer.
In addition, the giants among the sunflowers need a support structure, otherwise a light gust of wind would be enough to buckle the plant. It is best to plant such varieties next to house walls or trees so that you can tie the sunflowers.
tips and tricks
The size of a sunflower is also determined by the substrate or pot size. Only when the roots have enough room to spread will the sunflower reach the size appropriate to its variety.