Valentine Sunflower is a stunning annual sunflower that brings bold, cheerful blooms to gardens across zones 2-11 from summer through fall. Growing 48 to 60 inches tall with a compact 18-inch spread, this cultivar reaches full flower in 56 to 70 days from seed to bloom, making it fast enough for successive plantings every three weeks. It thrives in full sun and handles drought well once established, needing only moderate water, yet it reliably attracts pollinators all season long.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
60in H x 18in W
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High
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This sunflower germinates quickly, typically sprouting within 5 to 14 days, and rewards gardeners with a long flowering window stretching from June through November. Its compact, sturdy habit makes it excellent for gardens with limited space, while its frost-tender nature means you can grow it anywhere as a reliable annual. The combination of early maturity, pollinator appeal, and drought tolerance makes Valentine Sunflower a low-fuss summer workhorse that keeps delivering blooms.
Valentine Sunflower is grown primarily for its ornamental cut flowers and garden display. The long bloom period and sturdy stems make it excellent for fresh arrangements, and the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season, adding ecological value to any garden.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in individual pots of well-draining seed starting mix several weeks before your last frost date. Keep soil moist and provide a strong light source. Transplant carefully into the garden when seedlings are large enough to handle, waiting until nighttime temperatures warm into the 50°F range.
After the last frost date and when both day and night temperatures are warm and settled, transplant seedlings into the garden in full sun. Space plants 12 inches apart to allow ample room for sturdy stalk and root development.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Poke seeds 1/4 inch deep into well-worked soil, spacing them 4 to 5 inches apart initially. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until germination occurs in 8 to 10 days. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart once they reach 3 inches tall.
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