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Dwarf Sunflower Choco Sun Seeds - Helianthus annuus

Helianthus annuus Choco Sun
Sunflower

3,0/5
1 reviews
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1 reviews

In the morning, a seed has sprouted.

Isabelle, 10/04/2022

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Helianthus annuus 'Choco Sun' is probably one of the smallest dwarf varieties available, quickly producing large, golden yellow blooms with brown centres. Ideal for growing at the front of sunny borders or in pots on the patio! Sunflowers are popular annuals that are generally direct sown in spring in ordinary, well-drained garden soil.
Flower size
15 cm
Height at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Sun
Annual / Perennial
Annual
Germination time (days)
21 days
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Sowing period March to April
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Flowering time June to August
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Description

Helianthus annuus 'Choco Sun' is probably one of the smallest dwarf varieties available, quickly producing large, golden yellow blooms with brown centres. Ideal for growing at the front of sunny borders or in pots on the patio! Sunflowers are popular annuals that are generally direct sown in spring in ordinary, well-drained garden soil.

Sunflower, or Helianthus annuus in latin, is a large annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, native to the Americas. It has long been domesticated for its edible seeds and is now cultivated on a large scale for its oil. 'Choco Sun' is a dwarf ornamental selection which rapidly grows to a height of about 25-30cm. It produces single flowerheads (capitulum) that measure approximately 15cm across. The external petals (technically, ray flowers) are bright golden yellow, arranged around a dark brown central disc. The flowering period lasts from early July to September. In ideal growing conditions, flowers appear 11 weeks after sowing. The floral stems are strong and well-branched, covered in simple, alternate to opposite heart-shaped green leaves. They are carried on a fairly long petiole and are rough to the touch.

This easy-to-grow plant, with its large seeds and compact habit, is perfect for introducing children to gardening. It is particularly suited to sunny borders, low summer bedding schemes, rock gardens or large containers. All it requires is a healthy dose of sunshine and moist, well-drained soil. Its flowers make very cheery arrangements combined with fern leaves, goldenrod, statice and carnations for example.

Good to know: Before flowering, sunflowers famously optimize their growth by following the course of the sun in a phenomenon known as heliotropism. All summer long, sunflowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies into the garden, improving its ecosystem and encouraging fruit set in the orchard or vegetable patch. The oil-rich seeds are a favourite with garden birds (nuthatches, tits, finches, sparrows, blackbirds etc.). Harvest them after flowering to provide birds with a valuable food source during the cold winter months.

Cooking with sunflowers:

Sunflower buds, petals and seeds are all edible. Brighten up green salads with a few nutty-flavoured petals. The green buds have a Jerusalem artichoke taste when blanched and tossed in garlic butter. Unhulled seeds can be eaten both raw and grilled.

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time June to August
Inflorescence Flower head
Flower size 15 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms
Flowering description Flower heads to 15cm in diameter, composed of a corolla of yellow petals around a maroon-chocolate centre.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Annual
Foliage colour medium green
Foliage description Heart-shaped, mid-green leaves, 10-15cm across.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 30 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate very fast

Botanical data

Genus

Helianthus

Species

annuus

Cultivar

Choco Sun

Family

Asteraceae

Other common names

Sunflower

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference13861

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Planting and care

Sow the 'Choco Sun' dwarf Sunflower from March to May in pots. Use good quality potting soil that you will sift on the surface to bind the seed to its substrate. Before sowing, lightly press down the soil with a board. Sow your seeds by broadcasting. Cover the seeds by sprinkling soil on top or vermiculite, lightly press down and water generously with a fine rain. Place your pots in the light, without direct sunlight, at a temperature of 20°C to 25°C. Lower the temperature at night to 17°C to create a beneficial alternation for germination.

Germination will take 21 days. Keep the soil moist but not excessive during growth. 15 days before their final placement, start gradually acclimatizing them to a temperature of 15°C.

By the end of May or early June, the temperature in the garden will be warm enough to plant your young plants. Choose a sunny location. Add a good shovelful of compost to each planting hole. Space your plants 45cm (17.7in) apart.

Seeds sown in May can be directly sown in place. By staggering your sowings, you will extend flowering until autumn.

Regularly remove faded flowers to maintain beauty and promote their renewal.

Protect your seedlings from attacks by snails and slugs, which are fond of these young plants. By sowing chives nearby your sunflowers, you will keep aphids away from them.

1
€7.50 Bag
17
€14.50 Each

Sowing period

Sowing period March to April
Germination time (days) 21 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Edge of border, Container, Vegetable garden
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Free-draining, rich
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