Annual. Sunflower remains have been found in the Tabasco region of Mexico dating back more than 6000 years. Sunflowers are loved by people and birds for their seeds, and market growers use them to make cut flowers. They also add a fun touch to gardens. Sales soared in the spring of 2020. As our facilitator Ann says, “In hard times sunflowers make people happy. ”.
Culture: Easy to grow. Start indoors three to four weeks before the last frost, when the temperature is 65 to 75°; or sow directly outside after the frost, three to a pocket. Thin to best plant, 1 or more apart. Rich friable soil yields tallest plants; drought stunts growth. Will readily self-sow; for some fun leave a few volunteers in strategic locations.
Pollen or pollen-free? Although flower arrangers often eschew sunnies with pollen, Eliza Lindsay of Portland, Ore. , speaks for our pollinators: “Sunflowers that produce pollen are my favorite. They feed the bees first and later the birds. “She says that if you want to grow sunflowers for cutting and to feed your pollinators, you have to leave some flowers alone so they can finish their life cycle.” Branching varieties are tops for this purpose since taking cuts encourages branching.
She offers tips for handling harvest and post-harvest for varieties with pollen. “The trick to sell them is to harvest prior to pollination. Once pollinated, flowers begin to senesce. Harvest when the petals are fully colored, clearly visible, but unexpanded and wrapped around the flower head. Harvest with long stems set in clean water in a cool dark place. Change water daily and recut stems as necessary. They take a few days to fully open and make pollen in the vase. They last a long time in the vase. ”.
With their stunning blend of warm, autumnal colors, Autumn Beauty sunflowers are a delightful addition to the late summer and early fall garden. These cheerful sunflowers showcase a mix of burnt orange, yellow, rust, and mahogany blooms that epitomize the colors of the season.
In this comprehensive guide, we will share tips and techniques for successfully growing Autumn Beauty sunflowers Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant, long-lasting color in your garden
Overview of Autumn Beauty Sunflowers
Autumn Beauty sunflower (Helianthus annuus ‘Autumn Beauty’) is a tall, robust annual sunflower variety known for its incredibly diverse range of autumn-inspired colors. The flowers display unique combinations of yellow, bronze, orange, burgundy and reddish-brown petals.
These sunflowers grow rapidly reaching heights of 4-7 feet at maturity. The flower heads measure 3-6 inches across. Plants are well-branched, producing multiple flower heads per plant over an extended bloom period from late summer into fall.
In addition to their outstanding ornamental merits, Autumn Beauty sunflowers are magnets for pollinators. Their nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial insects.
When to Plant Autumn Beauty Sunflowers
Autumn Beauty sunflowers should be planted in the garden after the threat of frost has passed in spring and soil temperatures have adequately warmed.
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date. Or direct sow seeds into the garden 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost once soil has warmed to at least 60°F.
These sunflowers require a long growing season of 70-100 days to fully mature and bloom. Get an early start either indoors or out to allow enough time for flowers to develop before cooler fall temps arrive.
How to Direct Sow Autumn Beauty Sunflower Seeds
One of the easiest ways to grow Autumn Beauty sunflowers is by direct sowing the seeds right into the garden bed. Follow these steps:
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Choose a site with full sun exposure (at least 6 hours per day). Sunflowers thrive in sunlight.
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Prepare soil by loosening and removing weeds. Mix in compost to improve fertility and drainage.
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Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart in rows or groups.
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Water gently after planting to moisten soil. Mist consistently to keep surface moist until sprouting.
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Thin seedlings to one plant per foot once 2 sets of true leaves emerge.
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Water deeply once per week unless rain falls. Avoid overwatering.
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Stake taller plants using bamboo stakes and soft plant ties.
How to Start Seeds Indoors
You can also get a head start on the growing season by starting Autumn Beauty sunflower seeds indoors. Here’s how:
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Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in seed starting mix 4-6 weeks before last spring frost.
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Place pots in bright sunny spot or under grow lights on 14 hour photoperiod.
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Maintain temperature around 70°F. Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated.
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Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors after danger of frost.
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Transplant 12-18 inches apart into soil amended with compost.
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Water transplants daily the first week, then monitor soil moisture and water as needed.
Growing Conditions for Autumn Beauty Sunflowers
Here are the optimal growing conditions to help Autumn Beauty sunflowers thrive:
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Sunlight: Full sun exposure, ideally 8 hours per day or more.
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Soil: Average to fertile, well-draining soil. Neutral pH between 6.0 – 7.5.
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Water: Consistent moisture. Water 1-2 inches per week. Reduce after establishment.
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Temperature: Germinate at 65-70°F. Grow best in daytime temps of 70-85°F.
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Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer at planting and midseason if needed.
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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart to avoid crowding.
Tips for Growing Healthy Autumn Beauty Sunflowers
Follow these tips throughout the season for success with Autumn Beauty sunflowers:
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Pinch main stem once seedlings reach 12-18 inches to encourage branching and promote bushier growth habit.
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Stake flowers to support top-heavy blooms and prevent stem breakage in wind or rain. Use tall sturdy stakes.
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Weed regularly to eliminate competition for water and nutrients. Apply mulch to suppress weeds.
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Scout for pests like aphids, caterpillars, etc. Remove by hand or use organic insecticidal soap if infestations occur.
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Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering period. However, leave last blooms to go to seed.
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Avoid overhead watering and provide good airflow to discourage fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Harvesting Autumn Beauty Sunflower Seeds
Once flowers have faded, let the flower heads remain on the plants until the backside of the head turns yellow or brown and seeds appear plump and mature. To harvest:
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Cut flower heads off, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
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Hang upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sun.
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After 1-2 weeks, rub the heads gently to remove dried seeds.
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Discard any debris and damaged seeds. Store seeds in an airtight container.
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For better flavor, dry seeds further or lightly roast before eating. Enjoy fresh or in recipes!
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are some potential issues and how to resolve them to keep Autumn Beauty sunflowers looking their best:
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Insect pests: Monitor for aphids, caterpillars, etc. Remove manually or use organic insecticidal soap sprays.
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Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation. Water at base, avoid wetting leaves. Apply neem oil or sulfur powder.
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Rot diseases: Space plants properly. Avoid excess watering. Remove affected plants to prevent spreading.
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Birds eating seeds: Cover ripening flower heads with mesh sleeves or netting. Or harvest a little early.
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Weak stems: Stake plants properly to reinforce. Some natural drooping occurs; gently tie stems to supports.
FAQs About Growing Autumn Beauty Sunflowers
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about these fantastic flowers:
How tall do Autumn Beauty sunflowers grow?
Autumn Beauty sunflowers reach heights of 4 to 7 feet at maturity. Some individual plants may be slightly shorter or taller depending on conditions.
What colors do Autumn Beauty sunflowers come in?
The flower heads display unique warm hues including yellow, burnt orange, rusty red, bronze, and mahogany. Each bloom can have a striking blend.
When should you plant Autumn Beauty sunflower seeds?
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. Or direct sow into the garden 1-2 weeks after the date of the last average frost for your area.
How far apart should you space Autumn Beauty sunflowers?
Space Autumn Beauty sunflower plants 12-18 inches apart to allow adequate room for growth and prevent overcrowding issues.
Are Autumn Beauty sunflower seeds edible?
Yes, the seeds of Autumn Beauty sunflowers can be harvested and eaten fresh or incorporated into recipes once dried. Roast or toast seeds to enhance flavor.
Enjoy the Colorful Charm of Autumn Beauty Sunflowers
With their sunset-inspired hues and robust growth habit, Autumn Beauty sunflowers are sure to beautify your late summer and early autumn garden. Follow this guide for success growing these stunners from seed to flowering. Soon you’ll be enjoying their dazzling colors and watching pollinators feast on their nectar-rich blooms.
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Annual. Sunflower remains have been found in the Tabasco region of Mexico dating back more than 6000 years. Sunflowers are loved by people and birds for their seeds, and market growers use them to make cut flowers. They also add a fun touch to gardens. Sales soared in the spring of 2020. As our facilitator Ann says, “In hard times sunflowers make people happy. ”.
Culture: Easy to grow. Start indoors three to four weeks before the last frost, when the temperature is 65 to 75°; or sow directly outside after the frost, three to a pocket. Thin to best plant, 1 or more apart. Rich friable soil yields tallest plants; drought stunts growth. Will readily self-sow; for some fun leave a few volunteers in strategic locations.
Pollen or pollen-free? Although flower arrangers often eschew sunnies with pollen, Eliza Lindsay of Portland, Ore. , speaks for our pollinators: “Sunflowers that produce pollen are my favorite. They feed the bees first and later the birds. “She says that if you want to grow sunflowers for cutting and to feed your pollinators, you have to leave some flowers alone so they can finish their life cycle.” Branching varieties are tops for this purpose since taking cuts encourages branching.
She offers tips for handling harvest and post-harvest for varieties with pollen. “The trick to sell them is to harvest prior to pollination. Once pollinated, flowers begin to senesce. Harvest when the petals are fully colored, clearly visible, but unexpanded and wrapped around the flower head. Harvest with long stems set in clean water in a cool dark place. Change water daily and recut stems as necessary. They take a few days to fully open and make pollen in the vase. They last a long time in the vase. ”.
All varieties have pollen unless noted otherwise.
See also Hopi Dye Sunflower.
All flowers are open-pollinated except where noted.
Days in parentheses after a variety indicate days to first bloom.
For the latest results of our germination tests, please see the germination page.