Sunflower 'Valentine' Helianthus annuus 'Valentine'

Water

Sunflowers, including the Helianthus annuus 'Valentine', should be watered deeply once a week with about 2 gallons of water, particularly during hot and dry spells. They do well with a consistent watering schedule to maintain moist soil as they establish. However, once established, sunflowers are drought-tolerant and may require less frequent watering. The goal is to encourage deep root growth, so a thorough soak is preferable to frequent light waterings. During peak blooming time, you may need to water more frequently to support their large flower heads.

Light

Sunflowers like the Helianthus annuus 'Valentine' thrive best in full sunlight, ideally receiving 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day. To achieve optimal growth and bloom, position them in a spot where they will not be shaded by larger plants or structures. These sun-lovers will reach towards the sun, so an unobstructed, bright environment is best for their development.

Temperature

Sunflowers, including the 'Valentine' variety, prefer warm temperatures and are best grown when the soil has reached at least 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures ranging from 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, which is ideal for their growth. Sunflowers can tolerate a maximum temperature up to about 90 degrees but may suffer in prolonged heat above this without adequate water.

Pruning

Pruning sunflowers like the 'Valentine' variety is generally unnecessary since they are annuals and only bloom once. If desired for aesthetic reasons or to remove damaged leaves or spent blooms, it can be done at any time. Pruning should be light, focusing on maintaining plant health rather than shaping.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For the common sunflower, a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix is best. Combine loamy garden soil with compost and a bit of sand to improve drainage. The ideal pH range for sunflowers is between 6.0 and 7.5, so test your soil and adjust accordingly.

Repotting

Sunflowers, being annuals, don't typically require repotting. They are grown from seed each year and do not live long enough to need transferring to larger containers.

Humidity & Misting

Sunflowers are adaptable to a range of humidity levels but perform best in moderate conditions. They do not require any special humidity adjustments for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun by a window and use a large pot with drainage.

• Outdoor

  Plant in direct sunlight with ample space for growth.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

The common name for Helianthus annuus 'Valentine' is Sunflower 'Valentine'. The life cycle of Sunflower 'Valentine' starts with the germination of seeds, which occurs when conditions are warm and moist. The seedlings emerge with their first pair of true leaves after the cotyledons (seed leaves) and establish themselves quickly. During the vegetative growth stage, the plants develop a sturdy stem and large leaves to capture sunlight and perform photosynthesis. This is followed by the flowering stage, where the plant produces its distinctive large, typically yellow flower heads with a central disk that contains many small flowers capable of producing seeds. After pollination, often facilitated by bees, the plant enters the maturation stage, developing seeds within the flower head that can be harvested and either planted for the next generation or used for various purposes like oil production or as a food source.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Helianthus annuus 'Valentine', commonly known as the 'Valentine' 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. This usually occurs between April and May, depending on the local climate. To propagate sunflowers by seed, you should plant the seeds about an inch deep in soil and space them roughly 6 inches (approximately 15 cm) apart, in rows spaced 24 to 30 inches (about 61 to 76 cm) apart. The seeds require full sun and should be watered well after planting. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 10 days. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, they should be thinned out to allow the strongest plants room to grow, leaving about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 46 to 61 cm) between each plant.