Autumn Beauty sunflowers with their stunning blend of warm fall colors, are one of the most captivating sunflowers you can grow. Their unique flower heads in rich shades of yellow, orange rust and burgundy epitomize the beauty of autumn.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover all the tips and techniques you need for successfully growing these eye-catching blooms. We’ll cover everything from when to plant, ideal growing conditions, care instructions, and how to harvest the seeds. Follow these simple steps for a bountiful harvest of vibrant Autumn Beauty sunflowers.
Autumn Beauty sunflower (Helianthus annuus ‘Autumn Beauty’) is an annual variety known for its incredibly diverse range of fall-inspired colors The flower heads can reach 4-6 inches across and exhibit unique combinations of yellow, bronze, mahogany, burgundy and deep red petals
These sunflowers grow rapidly, reaching heights between 5-7 feet at maturity. The sturdy, branching plants produce multiple blooms per season, flowering abundantly from late summer into fall.
In addition to their outstanding ornamental value, Autumn Beauty sunflowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. Their nectar-rich blooms provide food for beneficial insects.
With proper care and timing, you can enjoy these stunning sunflowers as cutting flowers or as an enchanting addition to beds and borders. Their warm autumnal tones will infuse your garden with seasonal beauty.
When to Plant Autumn Beauty Sunflower Seeds
Autumn Beauty sunflowers require a long growing season between 70-100 days to fully mature. To ensure ample time for growth and flowering before cooler fall temperatures arrive, start seeds indoors or sow directly in the garden following these guidelines:
Indoors: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. Use seed starting mix and grow seedlings on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.
Outdoors: Direct sow seeds into the garden 1-2 weeks after your area’s average last spring frost date, once soil has warmed to at least 60°F.
Planting early allows time for plants to become well established so they can withstand summer heat. Proper timing is key for these sunflowers to reach their full height and produce their signature stunning blooms during their peak late summer and fall flowering period.
How to Direct Sow Autumn Beauty Seeds Outdoors
One of the easiest ways to grow Autumn Beauty sunflowers is by direct sowing the seeds into your flower beds or garden. Follow these simple steps:
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Choose a location with full sun exposure (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily).
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Prepare soil by mixing in compost to improve drainage and fertility. Remove any weeds.
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Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart in either rows or groups.
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Water gently after planting to moisten soil. Mist regularly to keep surface moist until sprouting.
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Once seedlings have 2 sets of true leaves, thin to one plant every 12-18 inches.
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Water deeply once per week unless rain falls. Avoid overwatering.
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Stake taller plants using bamboo stakes and soft ties to provide support.
How to Start Seeds Indoors
For an earlier harvest, you can get a head start on the growing season by starting Autumn Beauty seeds indoors:
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Plant seeds 1⁄2 inch deep in seed starting mix 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost.
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Place pots in a sunny spot or under grow lights on a 14-hour daily photoperiod.
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Maintain a temperature around 70°F. Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated.
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Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting them into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
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Transplant outdoors 12-18 inches apart into soil amended with compost.
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Water transplants daily the first week, then as needed. Provide support with stakes as plants grow.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Here are the ideal growing conditions to help your Autumn Beauty sunflowers thrive:
Sunlight: At least 6-8 hours of full sun per day. Sunflowers love direct sunlight.
Soil: Average to fertile, well-draining soil. Maintain a neutral pH between 6.0-7.5.
Water: Consistent moisture. Water 1-2 inches per week. Reduce frequency after plants establish.
Temperature: Germinate at 65-70°F. Grow best in daytime temperatures of 70-85°F.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting. Side dress with compost or fertilizer in midsummer if needed.
Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to prevent overcrowding issues.
Caring for Your Sunflowers Throughout the Season
Follow these tips to keep your Autumn Beauty sunflowers healthy and vibrant:
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Pinch out the main stem once seedlings reach 12-18 inches tall to encourage bushy, branching growth.
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Add stakes or trellises to support top-heavy blooms and prevent stem breakage. Use tall, sturdy stakes.
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Weed regularly to eliminate competition for water and nutrients. Apply mulch to suppress weeds.
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Scout for pests like aphids and caterpillars. Remove by hand or use organic insecticidal soap if needed.
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Deadhead spent blooms to extend the flowering period. Leave the last blooms to mature seeds.
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Avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
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Reduce watering as plants mature, allowing soil to dry somewhat between waterings.
With proper site preparation, planting, and care Autumn Beauty sunflowers will reward you with their spectacular colors from late summer into fall!
Harvesting Autumn Beauty Sunflower Seeds
One of the joys of growing these sunflowers is being able to collect seeds for future planting or to eat. Here are some tips for harvesting seeds:
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Allow flower heads to mature and dry out completely on the plants. The back of the heads will turn yellow or brown when seeds are ripe.
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Cut flower heads off the plants, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
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Place the entire head upside down in a dry, breezy, shaded location to dry for 1-2 weeks.
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Once thoroughly dry, rub the flower heads gently to separate and collect the seeds. Discard any debris.
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Further dry the seeds for a few weeks before storing in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
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For improved flavor, lightly roast the seeds before eating or adding to recipes. Enjoy!
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Here are some potential issues you may encounter and how to resolve them:
Insect pests: Aphids, caterpillars, etc. Remove by hand or use organic insecticidal soap sprays as needed.
Powdery mildew: Improve airflow. Water at the base of plants, avoiding wetting leaves. Apply neem oil or sulfur powder.
Rot diseases: Space plants properly. Avoid overwatering. Remove and destroy affected plants.
Birds eating seeds: Cover ripening flower heads with mesh sleeves or netting. Or harvest a little early.
Weak stems: Stake plants properly to reinforce. Some natural drooping occurs; gently tie stems to supports.
FAQs About Growing Autumn Beauty Sunflowers
Q: How tall do Autumn Beauty sunflowers grow?
A: Autumn Beauty sunflowers typically reach heights of 5 to 7 feet when grown in ideal conditions. Some individual plants may be slightly shorter or taller depending on variables like soil fertility, sunlight, and available moisture. Proper care will allow them to achieve their full stature.
Q: What colors do Autumn Beauty sunflowers come in?
A: The signature feature of these sunflowers is the unique color variations they exhibit. The flower heads can display beautiful blends of yellow, burnt orange, rust, bronze, burgundy and deep red. Each individual bloom may have its own distinct color pattern.
Q: When is the best time to plant Autumn Beauty sunflower seeds outdoors?
A: The ideal planting window is 1-2 weeks after your region’s average last spring frost date, once soils have warmed to at least 60°F. This timing allows enough warm weather for good germination and robust growth through the summer.
Q: How far apart should Autumn Beauty sunflowers be spaced?
A: Space Autumn Beauty sunflower plants 12-18 inches apart to prevent overcrowding and allow for ample airflow circulation. Wider spacing also reduces competition for sunlight, water and nutrients.
Q: Can you grow Autumn Beauty sunflowers in containers?
A: Yes, you can successfully grow these sunflowers in large containers at least 10-12 inches deep. Use a quality potting mix and provide adequate water. Move containers to capture sunlight. Stake plants for support once they grow taller.
Bringing the Beauty of Autumn into Your Garden
With their sunset-inspired petals and robust growth, Autumn Beauty sunflowers are sure to be a showstopper addition to the late summer and early fall garden. Follow this guide for tips to successfully grow these beauties from seed to harvest. Soon you’ll be rewarded with cheerful, long-lasting blooms and watch pollinators feast on the nectar-rich flowers. The warm colors will infuse your yard with seasonal charm!
