Sunflowers Perennials also known as helianthus anus can be commonly seen in gardens, as it is easy to maintain, offering an aesthetic view and nutritious seeds. As the name suggests it demands good sunlight of 7 to 8 hours.
If you are particular about the flowers you want to grow, will they come back repeatedly, this article will help you decide about sunflowers.
Are sunflowers perennials or annuals?
You will be surprised to find out that they are both annuals and perennials depending on the varieties. Of the 80 total species only 38 are perennials which are mostly wild. Are sunflowers perennials or annuals is easy to find out by just looking at your plant?
Are sunflowers perennials or annuals – what is annual and perennial
Perennial – They will come back from the same plant for several years and won’t die completely , but do all sunflowers come back every year? NO. it only depends on the variety you have planted
Annual- They won’t come back from the same plant, new seeds are required to be sown to get the same flowers again from a new plant.
How do I know if my sunflower is perennial or annual?
1. Perennials
If you want a slow developer that stays with you for several years this variety is for you-
2. Seeds
Perennial sunflower seeds, most of the time have small seed heads but due to hybridization, it might not be the case always.
- They can withstand cold temperatures
- Seeds are delicate and continue to sprout when the temperature of the soil is warm enough
3. Blooming period
- They are a slow developer and will bloom in the next year of plantation
4. Growth
- They take a long time to grow, and develop roots and can be easily disguised if a growing annual is grown between them.
5. Roots
- Its roots are developed with rhizomes to store water to stay in the game for a long run
EXAMPLES – Ashy sunflower, Giant sunflower, Maximilian sunflower etc.
6. Annuals
If you wish to see this beautiful flower gown ad bloom fast opt for the annual ones.
7. Seeds
- Seeds are relatively bigger
- They germinate in late spring
8. Blooming period
- It beautifully blooms in the same year of being planted, no need for patience just sit back and enjoy its beauty.
9. Growth
- It grows fast till early fall if provided with proper care
- It gives its best for the small time that is meant for it to grow
10. Roots
- It develops deep taproots with tiny roots coming to support the tall plant
EXAMPLES- American giant, Dwarf sunspot, Lemon queen, etc.
When to Plant Sunflowers: 3 Options for Lots of Beautiful Blooms
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):-
Q1. What is the lifespan of a sunflower?
Ans. If your sunflower is annual, it can live for 3-4 months but perennials can live for several years.
Q2. Are potted sunflowers perennials and do sunflowers grow back in pots?
Ans. Most often they are annuals, as people who grow it in pots will mostly be looking for fast results, but if you wish to grow a perennial in the pot, it is possible too with proper care and they will grow back in the same pot.
Q3. Do sunflowers need full sun?
Ans. Yes, as the name suggests, they love the sun, sunlight must be present for 7-8 hours per day for them to thrive.
Q4. Do sunflowers only bloom once?
Ans. Yes if you have planted an annual sunflower, and no it is perennial.
Q5. Is mammoth sunflower annual or Sunflowers Perennials?
Ans. It is an annual, tall, fast-growing sunflower.
Q6. Is dwarf sunflower annual or Sunflowers Perennials?
Ans. Most often if a sunflower is dwarf it must be an annual, in some varieties of perennials, the opposite can happen too.
Q7. When to plant Sunflowers Perennials seeds?
Ans. Plant them when in early spring after the late frost to give them the best temperature to germinate.