Giant Sunflower Seeds | Towering Blooms for Stunning Displays
Grow impressive, towering sunflowers with our Giant Sunflower seeds. Perfect for creating dramatic clumps at the base of large trees or near the edge of a pool, these majestic plants will add significant height and visual impact to your garden. Surprisingly tolerant of partial shade, they offer versatility in planting locations.
Reaching an impressive height of 2-3 metres, Giant Sunflowers produce classic, large sunny heads that are much loved by bees, birds, and even the occasional curious squirrel, bringing life and natural beauty to your outdoor space.
Key Features:
- Giant Sunflower seeds
- Produces towering plants reaching 2-3 metres
- Ideal for creating large clumps
- Surprisingly tolerant of partial shade
- Loved by bees, birds, and squirrels
- Can be started in pots or sown direct
- Sow rate: Space seeds 2-3 feet apart (or 20 inches apart in rows), sow at a depth of 3cm
Description:
Cultivate the classic grandeur of Giant Sunflowers in your garden. Their impressive height and large, sunny blooms create a spectacular display and provide a valuable resource for local wildlife.
Planting Information:
- Sow: Late April - Early May (in pots late March or April)
- Sow Rate: Space seeds 2-3 feet apart (or 20 inches apart in rows). Sow at a depth of 3cm.
Growing Tips:
Sow Giant Sunflower seeds directly in the ground in late April or early May, or start them off in pots in late March or April. Ensure adequate spacing (2-3 feet) for optimal head size. While they prefer full sun, they can tolerate partial shade.
When and How to Sow Your Wildflower Seeds
Getting a vibrant wildflower display is easier than you might think! Here's a simple guide to help you succeed, even if you're new to gardening.
When to Sow
You have two main windows for sowing your wildflower seeds:
- Spring/Summer: From March to mid-May.
- Autumn: From August to October.
Try to avoid sowing when frost is expected or during very dry, drought-like conditions, as this can affect germination.
Getting the Sow Rate Right
For our 100% wildflower mixes, the recommended sowing rate is 1.5 to 3 grams per square metre.
- Why this rate? It's a careful balance! Sowing too much seed can lead to stronger, more dominant species out competing the others, reducing your mix's diversity. Sowing to little might leave too much space for weeds or grasses to take over.
- Handy Tip: A level teaspoon of wildflower seed is roughly 1.5 grams.
What to Expect From Your Wildflowers
The magical transformation of your wildflower patch will unfold over time, depending on the types of seeds in your mix:
- Annuals: If your mix includes annual species, you'll see them bloom beautifully within 8-10 weeks if sown in spring. If you sow them in autumn, they'll flower the following summer.
- Perennials: These longer-term beauties typically begin to flower in the second year after sowing. Don't be surprised if Oxeye Daisy and/or Wild Carrot are the stars of the show in that second summer. The other lovely perennials will become more prominent from year 3 and 4, returning year after year to create an increasingly diverse display.
You can always check the specific "mixture details" under the product description on our website to see if your chosen mix includes annuals, perennials, or both.
Ground Preparation: The Essential First Step
Proper ground preparation is key to giving your wildflowers the best start.
Whether you're using pots or preparing a garden bed, ensure you remove any existing weeds and grass beforehand. This way, your precious wildflower seeds won't have to fight for space and nutrients, helping them establish successfully.
Sowing Your Seeds
Once your ground is ready, follow these simple steps for sowing:
- Prepare the Seedbed: Gently rake your prepared area to create a fine, firm, level seedbed. This provides the perfect surface for your tiny seeds.
- Mix and Scatter: If you're using a carrier (which we recommend for an even spread), mix your seeds with a bulking agent like sand, sterile compost, or instant porridge. Then, scatter the mixture evenly over your seedbed.
- Good Seed-to-Soil Contact: Lightly rake, roll, or even gently walk over the area. The goal here isn't to bury the seeds deep but rather to lightly push them into the soil to ensure they have good contact with the ground.
- Water Gently: Finish by watering lightly, being careful not to wash the seeds away.
Ongoing Maintenance
Once your wildflowers have bloomed and the season is ending:
- In the autumn, cut the plants back to about 7cm in height.
- Remove the cuttings from the area. This is an important step to help keep the soil fertility low, which is ideal for encouraging wildflowers to thrive and preventing more dominant grasses from taking over.