Annual · Asteraceae family
common sunflower
Helianthus annuus
In short a 10-second read
Common sunflower (annual) grows to 0.45–3.1 m tall and 0.45–0.9 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in July–August; the flowers are yellow, red or brown.
× spread 0.45–0.9 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, clay, sandy
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
July–August · yellow, red or brown
Planting
direct sowing: May
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does common sunflower flower?
In July–August; the flowers are yellow, red or brown.
Does common sunflower tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does common sunflower need?
At maturity 0.45–0.9 m wide and 0.45–3.1 m tall; recommended spacing 45 cm.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 20 expert sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (20)
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — Helianthus annuus
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Helianthus annuus
- GBIF Vernacular Names API — Helianthus annuus
- Wikidata (CC0) — Helianthus annuus
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Helianthus annuus
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — helianthus annuus
- Pladias — Databáza českej flóry a vegetácie
- EPPO Global Database — Helianthus annuus
- Johnny's Selected Seeds - Tall sunflowers key growing information
- RHS - How to grow annuals and biennials
- RHS – Helianthus annuus
- plantlust
- Proven Winners
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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