Sunflower
Helianthus annuus

Sunflower Plant

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual that grows 3-10 ft tall, hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, prefers well-drained, loamy soil, full sun, medium moisture, is edible, and has no medicinal uses.


close-up photo of common sunflower
Picture illustrating Sunflower plant

Habit

Upright

Height

1.5-3 m

Growth

Annual

Soil

Well-drained, loamy 

Shade

Full Sun

Moisture

Moderate

Edible

Yes

Medicinal

No

Origin

North America

Climatic Condition

Warm, Subtropical

Temperature (°)

20-30°C

Humidity (%)

40-60%

Potting media

Peat moss, perlite

Fertilizers

Balanced NPK (10-10-10)

Watering

Regular

Plant Weight 

1-2 kg

Flowering Time

Summer, Fall

Soil Ph level

6.0 - 7.5

Water Ph level

6.0 - 7.5

Soil EC

1-2 dS/m

Yield Per Plant 

2-4 kg per plant

NPK ratio 

10:10:10

life Span

Annual

Health Benefits

High in antioxidants, seeds edible

Suggested Grow Media or Potting Mix ?

40% compost, 30% peat moss, 30% perlite


Suggested Fertigation/Fertilizers

Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Common Diseases and Remedies

Downy Mildew,Rust,Sclerotinia Stem Rot,Verticillium Wilt,Powdery Mildew

 Yellow spots on leaves, white mold on undersides ,Orange pustules on leaves, Wilted plants, white fluffy mold on stems, Yellowing, wilting, and dieback of leaves, White powdery growth on leaves

Remove infected plants, use resistant varieties, Apply sulfur, remove infected debris, Crop rotation, avoid planting in infected areas, Use disease-free seeds, rotate crops, Neem oil, baking soda spray

In-Organic Remedies

Fungicides with mefenoxam, Fungicides containing myclobutanil, Fungicides like boscalid or iprodione, Soil fumigation with chloropicrin, Sulfur-based fungicides 

                  HEALTH BENEFITS

1. Heart Health:

  • Unsaturated fats:

Sunflower seeds and oil are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels. 

  • Vitamin E:

Sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps prevent cholesterol buildup in arteries. 

  • Other nutrients:

They also contain magnesium and phytosterols, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

2. Immune System Support:

  • Zinc and selenium:

Sunflower seeds are good sources of zinc and selenium, which are important for immune system function. 

  • Antioxidants:

They contain antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium, which can help protect cells from damage and boost the immune system. 

3. Blood Sugar Regulation:

  • Fiber and healthy fats:

Sunflower seeds contain fiber and healthy fats, which can help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and regulate blood sugar levels. 

  • Potential for diabetes:

Emerging research suggests they may have beneficial effects on blood sugar control and type 2 diabetes. 

4. Other Benefits:

  • Bone health: They are a good source of magnesium, which is essential for bone strength and density. 

  • Skin health: The vitamin E and fatty acids in sunflower oil can help moisturize and repair skin. 

  • Anti-inflammatory properties: They contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

  • Energy boost: Vitamin B1 (thiamin) in sunflower seeds can help convert food into energy. 

  • Digestive health: The fiber content can help improve digestion and prevent constipation. 

Zamia Green
Zamia furfuracea