Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Sunflowers are among the easiest and most rewarding annuals to grow. They're also some of the tallest, with many varieties producing huge, saucer-shaped yellow flowers that tower over other plants in the border.
Helianthus annuus 'Orange Sun' is a fantastic sunflower, bearing huge, fuzzy double orange flowers with a bright yellow centre. It's perfect for growing towards the middle of a sunny border and makes an excellent cut flower.
Sow seed in individual 10cm pots of moist seed compost in April to May, cover with cling film and place on a sunny windowsill or greenhouse bench. Remove the cling film once the seeds have germinated, and water plants regularly, allowing the water to drain. Pot on into larger pots with multipurpose compost, before eventually planting outside once all risk of frost has passed.
For best results enrich the soil with plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost before planting out Helianthus annuus 'Orange Sun', and water plants regularly. You may need to stake plants in exposed gardens.
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Helianthus ‘Orange sun’ and wildlife
Helianthus ‘Orange sun’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.
Is Helianthus ‘Orange sun’ poisonous?
Helianthus ‘Orange sun’ has no toxic effects reported.