This is the journal of my endeavours to grow a range of fruit, veg and flowers from seed, grow organically, and my attempts to create a personal paradise with 1/2 acre of maintained gardens and 1/2 acre wild meadows. Northern Ireland's average daily high temperatures are 18 °C (64 °F) in July and 6 °C (43 °F) in January. Soil type: Clay

Monday, 24 August 2015

Giant Sunflowers

Aren't sunflowers fab!  
I didn't grow sunflowers last year and I really missed them. This plant is definitely on my annual 'must grow list'.
I've tried various varieties like 'Teddy Bear' and the reddish 'Autumn Beauty' but the best sunflower (in my opinion) is 'Giant Single' Sunflower. They put on the best show, with their height and their giant, dinner plate-sized flower heads - very eye catching.
I started these from seed in April. They grew slowly but diligently all summer and now they're making a wonderful display. So cheerful!
I haven't measured these beauties, but they're on average 7 to 8 feet tall. A great plant for kids to grow too - who can grow the tallest!
Copyright: All words and photos are property of Kelli's Northern Ireland Garden.
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6 comments:

  1. Mark Willis24 August 2015 at 12:43

    We went to RHS Wisley the other day and saw they have a whole section devoted to Sunflowers - all shapes and sizes. They are not all huge and tall.

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  2. Jo@awholeplotoflove25 August 2015 at 00:28

    Yes they are, I grew some dwarf ones this year though I wasn't very successful x

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  3. David Shinn25 August 2015 at 03:13

    Very impressive.
    I tried some dwarf ones this year but none germinated ,but some of the previous year's tall Black Magic variety self seeded into nearby pots of compost and have produced another good show after growing on and transplanting in groups.It's very satisfying to be able to grow a sunny plant in our cool northern climate.Must remember to put some pots of compost next to them this year!

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  4. Jo25 August 2015 at 09:44

    Your sunflowers are fabulous. I started some Giant Singles this year but they didn't do well at all, the only ones which have flowers are the dwarf varieties, still very nice though.

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  5. Janneke 25 August 2015 at 11:03

    The giant sunflowers are most beautiful. The last few years I have not grown sunflowers, when I see your great pictures I want to have them in the garden again. In the past I have tried them all,dwarf ones, Teddy Bears, brown ones but like you I like the normal ones best.

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  6. elaine 25 August 2015 at 23:06

    I didn't grow any this year as I ran out of room but they certainly are a cheerful sight.

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