A little seed. A new beginning.
Seeds In A Cup®A LITTLE SEED. A NEW BEGINNING.

GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL

Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.

THE PLANT NOTEBOOK

Sunflower care, from seed onward.

Botanical name
Helianthus annuus
Common names
Common Sunflower
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Helianthus
Species
H. annuus
01

Start growing

Needs massive amounts of full sun. Stalks may need support in windy areas. High water needs.

02

Growing with your kit

The Seeds In A Cup® kit allows kids to document 'Solar Tracking' – measuring the flower's movement each hour.

03

Propagation

By seed (very easy).

04

Seasonal growth & harvest

Can grow from seed to 10 feet in just 90 days. Seeds are ready when the back of the head turns yellow-brown.

05

Growing conditions

Sunny prairies, fields, and open plains.

06

Weather & tolerances

Highly heat and drought tolerant once established.

07

Pests & plant health

Birds, squirrels, and Sunflower rust.

08

Plant safety

Safe and highly nutritious.

09

Botanical features

A fast-growing annual with massive yellow-seeded heads. Known for 'Heliotropism' (turning to follow the sun).

10

Varieties

‘Mammoth Grey Stripe’ (Giant), ‘Teddy Bear’ (Dwarf).

11

Garden & everyday uses

Edible seeds and oil. essential bird food. iconic giant ornamental

12

Native range & distribution

Native to North America.

13

Conservation

Secure; critical for supporting pollinators and birds.

14

Name origins

Greek ‘helios’ (sun) and ‘anthos’ (flower); named for its solar resemblance.

15

History

The only major global food crop to originate in the North American Great Plains.

Grow sunflower in a cup.