Here are the differences between the two types of cheery flowers Do Sunflowers Come Back Every Year? Heres What to Know 0:32
Whether sunflowers come back every year depends on the variety. There are annual and perennial species in the Helianthus (sunflower) genus, and if you plant a perennial variety, youll be delighted with new sunflowers the following growing season.
Here’s what you need to know about the differences between the two kinds. And if you cannot decide which type to grow and you have the space, plant both. You can never have enough sunflowers—and pollinators and birds love them, too.
Sunflowers are a popular garden flower that can provide a cheery burst of color during the summer months Their bright yellow petals and tall stalks make them stand out Many gardeners enjoy growing sunflowers but wonder if they need to replant them annually. The answer depends on whether you are growing annual or perennial sunflower varieties.
Annual vs. Perennial Sunflowers
There are two main types of sunflowers
-
Annual sunflowers – These complete their entire lifecycle in one growing season. They bloom set seed, and die in the same year they are planted. To have annual sunflowers again the next year you need to replant the seeds.
-
Perennial sunflowers – These live for multiple years. They may not bloom the first year after planting but will return and flower each subsequent year without needing to be replanted.
So in short, if you plant annual sunflower varieties, you will need to replant the seeds each spring to have flowers again. But with perennial types, the same plants will keep coming back.
Differences Between Annual and Perennial Sunflowers
Annual and perennial sunflowers have some key differences in their growth habits and characteristics:
-
Blooming – Annual sunflowers bloom the same year they are planted as seeds. Perennials take at least two years to bloom.
-
Seed heads – Annuals can have large, showy seed heads. Perennials have only small seed heads.
-
Root system – Annuals have shallow, stringy roots. Perennials develop deep tubers and rhizomes.
-
Growth rate – Annual sunflowers grow quickly after germination. Perennials are slower growing.
-
Reseeding – Annuals rely on reseeding to propagate. Perennials spread via tubers and rhizomes primarily.
-
Seed production – Annuals put energy into producing many large seeds. Perennials have fewer, smaller seeds.
-
Growth habit – Annuals grow a single tall stem. Perennials produce multiple shorter stems in a clump.
Popular Varieties
Some of the most popular annual sunflower varieties that need replanting each year include:
-
Mammoth – Grows up to 12 feet tall with giant seed heads.
-
Sunburst – Multi-branched type with bright yellow and red bi-color blooms.
-
Autumn Beauty – Beautiful mix of fall tones including orange and burgundy.
-
Teddy Bear – A dwarf variety that grows only 2-3 feet tall.
-
American Giant – Can reach up to 15 feet tall!
Some perennial varieties that will come back annually include:
-
Maximilian Sunflower – Pale yellow flowers that bloom profusely.
-
Giant Sunflower – Grows up to 9 feet tall.
-
Ashy Sunflower – Compact at 2-3 feet tall with bright yellow blooms.
-
Sawtooth Sunflower – Bright yellow petals and sawtooth shaped leaves.
-
Early Sunflower – Blooms very early in the season.
Growing Tips
Here are some tips for successfully growing both annual and perennial sunflower varieties:
-
Give them full sun exposure for at least 6 hours daily.
-
Plant annuals from seed after danger of frost has passed.
-
Space plants 12-24 inches apart depending on variety height.
-
Water weekly until established, then water only during droughts.
-
Stake tall varieties to prevent stem breakage.
-
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
-
For perennials, cut plants back in fall and mulch roots for winter.
-
Divide crowded clumps of perennials in spring every 2-3 years.
-
Turn crop rotation for annuals to prevent pests and diseases.
With proper care, annual sunflowers will provide a vibrant display all summer long. And perennial varieties can offer years of bright, cheery flowers with minimal effort. Just know which type you are growing to understand if replanting is needed annually or not.
Ashy Sunflower
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Gettys-1412002994-261f650772c6406ca02422d8548a72b9.jpg)
With a height of 2 to 3 feet, the Ashy sunflower (Helianthus mollis) is a compact sunflower that blooms from July through September. It is native to the central and southeastern United States. Plant in USDA zones 4-10.
Perennial Sunflower Varieties
Among the more than 52 species of sunflowers, all native to North America and Mexico, are many perennial varieties. Planting a naturally occurring variety in your area has the most benefits for local insect populations, biodiversity, and wildlife.
Perennial sunflowers won’t bloom until the second year, but once they become established, they are low-maintenance plants. They spread via their rhizomes, seeds, or both, so you can count on a blooming patch or drift of sunflowers for years to come.
Here are some popular perennial sunflower species:
How to harvest, save and store sunflower seeds ready to plant next year.
FAQ
Is sunflower annual or perennial?
Sunflowers can be either annual or perennial. Most of the sunflowers grown for cut flowers or seed production are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one year.
What do you do with sunflower plants at the end of the season?
After making a clean cut to the stalk, place them in vases or containers filled with room-temperature water. You can support large blooms with floral sticks and wire, or choose a vessel that supports the long stems. Cut sunflowers should last a week or longer indoors.
What is the lifespan of a sunflower?
The lifespan of a sunflower, from planting to death, is typically around 12-16 weeks (3-4 months). This includes the stages of germination, vegetative growth, reproduction, blooming, and finally, senescence where the plant deteriorates and dies.
Will sunflowers come back on their own?
Sunflowers are either an annual (where they need to be replanted every year) or a perennial (where they will come back every year from the same plant) and telling the difference is not that hard if you know how.Jun 17, 2021
Do you need to re-plant annual sunflowers?
The annual kind however will only bloom once, and then you will need to re-plant them if you want to keep enjoying their beauty. Annual sunflowers will typically be labeled as Helianthus annuus, but if you would like to purchase seeds and are unsure, it would be best to consult your local gardening expert.
Do sunflowers come back every year?
Whether sunflowers come back every year depends on the variety. There are annual and perennial species in the Helianthus (sunflower) genus, and if you plant a perennial variety, you’ll be delighted with new sunflowers the following growing season. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between the two kinds.
Can a sunflower grow back a year without replanting?
On the other hand, perennial sunflowers, also known as Helianthus multiflorus, can grow back every year without replanting. They won’t die back completely and will return the following year from the same plant. Perennial sunflowers are a great choice if you want to have sunflowers in your garden without the hassle of replanting every year.
Should you plant a perennial or a annual Sunflower?
If you plant a perennial variety, you’ll have new sunflowers the next growing season. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between the two kinds. And if you cannot decide which type to grow and you have the space, plant both. You can never have enough sunflowers—and pollinators and birds love them, too.
Do sunflowers bloom every year?
Blooms – Annual sunflowers will bloom the first year after being planted from seeds, but perennial sunflowers grown from seed will not bloom for at least two years. Roots – Perennial sunflowers will have tubers and rhizomes attached to their roots, but annual sunflowers just have the typical string-like roots.
Can you grow annual sunflowers from seed?
Annual sunflowers come in many varieties, primarily hybrids, meaning their seeds won’t produce a plant true to type. If you want to have the same sunflowers next year, you’ll need to purchase fresh seeds from a seed company every year. Annual sunflowers are typically planted directly in the garden from seed.