Description
Helianthus annuus | Common Sunflower ‘Titan’
The sunflower genus includes around 70 species, of which Helianthus annuus (Common Sunflower) is the most commonly seen in the average garden.
The ‘Titan’ sunflower, as the name suggests, is a giant annual sunflower variety with an extra thick stem, supporting huge, alternating leaves, and a massive flower head that can reach 16-22 inches across! Plus Titan sunflowers can grow to heights of 12-14 feet! Blooms from July to September.
Sunflowers have one of the most aggressive root systems known, capable of drilling down through hard-pan or clay. They work great to pulverize a hard spot in the raised beds or flower bed, making it perfect for next season. Will tolerate drought and poor soil, but performs much better with soil amendments and extra water.
All kinds of birds, bees, beetles, butterflies, and a myriad of other pollinators are attracted to sunflowers. They may be used as a trap crop, attracting sucking insects like the stink bug and leaf-footed bug away from other edible garden crops, like tomatoes and peppers. Once the seeds are mature (or even before), finches, jays, and other birds will start snacking on them. so you will need to harvest the flower heads before they do!
Easy to grow. Heavy seed yields- we’ve counted over 1200 seeds per head!
Type: Annual
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 12-14 ft
Mature width: 3 ft
Hardiness zones: All (annual)
