Attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators to your garden with this beautiful vibrant sunflower, much adored by bees. Sunflowers are easy to grow and extremely beneficial plants for bees and other pollinators. Sunflowers are great for kids to grow and will add a splash of colour to any garden. Flowers July-September and grows to 1,5-2 meters tall.
Planting sunflowers supports the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, and it is also recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) as a good plant for pollinators.
The vibrant sunflower is a beneficial all-rounder in the cottage garden. It can be grown in beds, borders and containers, or in the kitchen garden. Sunflowers also make beautiful cut flowers, or if the seed-heads are left on after flowering provide much appreciated seeds for birds in the autumn.
Contains
Sunflower seeds, Helianthus Annuus
- Irish grown seed.
- Contains: 6 grams, average 90 seeds
- Standard seeds. EC rules and standards.
Sowing and planting
Direct sowing: Sow directly into weed free soil in April-June once the risk of frost has passed. Sow 12mm deep, cover with soil and water lightly. Thin to 30-40 cm apart when plants are approximately 10 cm tall.
To prepare the ground for sowing first clear the site of weeds, stones and sticks. Turn the soil and break up any clods, then rake so that you have a fine crumbly surface. If your ground is heavy, or you do not want to or can’t turn the soil, then clear of weeds and add a 2-3 layer of sand, soil or compost, or a mix of these, to the surface. Rake over and sow as instructed. Stake and feed as it grows and ensure to water well.
Cultivating indoors: For early flowering sow indoors in February – April and transplant seedlings into pots and harden off before planting outside once the risk of frost has passed. The seedling should be about 15 cm in height when planting out. Plant 30-40 cm apart, water and feed well and support with canes as they grow.
For more sowing and maintenance tips, read the sowing instructions below.
Plants for pollinators
The types of plants and flowers we plant have a huge impact on the wildlife around us, including bees and other insects as well as birds and small mammals. If you would like to further explore plants and their importance for bees, please visit our blog and immerse yourself in the subject. Here are some of the blogs I have written about plants and bees:
Plants for Bees Winter – Hanna’s Bees (hannasbees.ie)
Pollen – benefits for bees & humans – Hanna’s Bees (hannasbees.ie)
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