Sunflower 'Double Whammy' Helianthus 'Double Whammy' (d)

Water

The Sunflower 'Double Whammy' requires regular watering to maintain moist soil, especially during active growth in the spring and summer. It's best to water deeply once a week with about 1-2 gallons of water, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. During the hotter months, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. It's crucial to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering which can lead to root rot.

Light

Sunflower 'Double Whammy' thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant would be an unobstructed south-facing location where it can enjoy the maximum amount of daylight. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in the hottest parts of the day, but full sun will ensure the healthiest growth and flowering.

Temperature

Sunflowers 'Double Whammy' are heat-tolerant plants that prefer temperatures between 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not frost-tolerant, so ensure they are not exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees for prolonged periods. In areas with extreme summer heat, providing some afternoon shade can help mitigate the potential stress caused by excessive temperatures.

Pruning

Sunflower 'Double Whammy' benefits from occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged stems and to encourage bushier growth. Pruning can be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to encourage more blooms. It's not necessary to prune sunflowers often; once or twice a season is typically sufficient.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The common name for Helianthus 'Double Whammy' is Double Whammy Sunflower. For optimal growth, use a well-draining, nutrient-rich loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. Amend soil with compost or aged manure to improve fertility.

Repotting

Double Whammy Sunflowers are typically not a potted plant; they are grown outdoors and do not require repotting. These sunflowers are annuals and will complete their life cycle within one growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Double Whammy Sunflowers are not particularly humidity-sensitive and can thrive in average outdoor humidity levels. They do best in open areas where the air circulation is good, mimicking their native prairie habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow Double Whammy Sunflower indoors with bright light, in large pots.

• Outdoor

  Plant Double Whammy Sunflower in full sun, well-drained soil, after frost.

• Hardiness zone

  Double Whammy Sunflower is suited for USDA zones 2-11.

Life cycle

Sunflower 'Double Whammy' (Helianthus 'Double Whammy') begins its life as a seed, typically planted in spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up sufficiently. It quickly germinates, often within 7 to 10 days, sending up a shoot and embryonic leaves through the soil. As a fast-growing annual, it soon develops a sturdy stem and broad leaves, gathering sunlight and nutrients for rapid growth. The distinctive feature of 'Double Whammy' is its double-flowered heads, which it starts to form once the plant has reached maturity, usually a few weeks after germination. These vibrant flowers attract pollinators and can last through the summer and into early fall. After flowering, the plant produces seeds in the flower head, which can be harvested for replanting or left to self-sow, completing its life cycle with the onset of winter when the plant dies.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Propogation: Helianthus 'Double Whammy', commonly known as Sunflower, is typically propagated through seeds. The ideal time for sowing sunflower seeds is in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up to at least 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit (around 13-16 degrees Celsius). The popular method of propagation for Helianthus 'Double Whammy' involves selecting a sunny location with well-draining soil and sowing the seeds directly into the ground. Plant the seeds about an inch (2.54 cm) deep and space them 6 inches (about 15 cm) apart to give each sunflower ample room to grow. Water the soil gently and keep it moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7 to 10 days. Once the seedlings develop their second set of leaves, thin them out, allowing about 2 feet (about 61 cm) of space between the plants to ensure they have enough room to mature.