HELIANTHUS – Sungold Dwarf

Growing Temp 60°F – 75°F
Days to Maturity 55-65 days

Ease of Cultivation and uses: The ‘Sungold Dwarf’ sunflower is a charming variety characterized by its compact size and vibrant golden-yellow blooms. This sunflower is incredibly easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginners and gardeners with limited space. It thrives in full sun and adapts well to containers, making it a delightful addition to patios, balconies, and small gardens. ‘Sungold Dwarf’ is perfect for adding a splash of color to floral arrangements and attracts pollinators, enhancing the overall biodiversity of your garden.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant ‘Sungold Dwarf’ sunflower seeds outdoors in the spring after the last frost date, ensuring the soil temperature is at least 60°F. Sow the seeds 1 inch deep and space them 12–18 inches apart, as this variety doesn’t require much room to thrive. Water the seeds thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 7–10 days. This compact sunflower is low maintenance and does well in both garden beds and containers.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To get an early start, sow sunflower seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost. Use seedling trays filled with quality potting mix, placing one seed per cell and covering lightly with soil. Maintain a temperature of around 70°F to encourage germination. Once the seedlings develop their first true leaves and the risk of frost has passed, transplant them into the garden or larger containers, spacing them 12–18 inches apart. Water well after transplanting to promote root establishment.

Harvesting: To determine when ‘Sungold Dwarf’ sunflowers are ready for harvest, look for the flower heads to droop slightly and the backs to turn brown, indicating that the seeds are mature. Cut the flower heads in the morning when they are dry, leaving several inches of stem for handling. If you wish to collect seeds, allow the heads to dry completely, or cover them with a paper bag to protect them from birds and pests until you are ready to harvest.