Sunflower

Sunflower, the floral equivalent of a happy face, is a daisy-shaped flower, consisting of yellow petals extending from a large dark center. Sunflowers are very popular cut flowers that are available year-round. Flower colors include yellow, red, brown, and orange.

Family: Asterraceae
Species: Helianthus annuus
Origin: North America
Symbolizes: Adoration, loyalty
Also Known As: Sunflower

Care, Handling & Design

Temperature: 34-38 F (1-3 C)
Humidity: 75-85%
Water: Medium water quality. Avoid softened water.
Vase Life: 5-14 days

What to Look for When Purchasing

Harvested when the petals have unfolded. Uniform maturity, free from defects and mechanical damage. Avoid flowers with yellow or dried leaves.

Foam Info

Prone to wilting. Make sure foam is kept well hydrated. Use higher density foam to support large stems.

Design Tips

Sunflowers are bold focal flowers. The heavy heads and large stems require the use of reinforced floral foam in floral design. Sunflowers are a natural in country designs. Sunflowers dry well. Prop several stems in a vase, or hang them in a well-ventilated, warm area and allow them to air dry.

Ethylene Sensitivity

Moderately sensitive depending on the variety. Ethylene exposure can lead to abscission of ligules.

Pest & Disease Information

N/A

Troubleshooting

Sunflowers are phototropic (they follow the light). This can cause neck bending. This may also be due to improper stage at harvest, flower dehydration or improper sanitation. This can be avoided by maintaining optimal temperatures during transport and storage and adhering to best practices with cleanliness and hydration/feeding. Leaf yellowing could be due to improper stage of harvest, improper cultural practice or non optimal storage and handling conditions. Remove nets prior to processing. Avoid handling the flower by the head to avoid creasing and bruising to the petals. Sunflowers can drink a lot of water. Be sure to use a vase that holds plenty of water and can support the weight of the flowers.

Product Usage

For optimal care of Sunflower, please reference the chart of products below. Make sure to select your region to see which products are available.

BreedersGrowersBouquet OperationsTransportersWholesalersFloristsEvent Planners & DesignersSupermarkets & Club StoresEcommerce & DropshippersFlower Enthusiasts
Clean & Disinfect
FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner
FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner
FloraLife® D.L.D. Cleaner
FloraLife® D.L.D. Cleaner 
FloraLife® Floral Cleaner
FloraLife® Floral Cleaner 
FloraLife® Cleaner
FloraLife® Cleaner  
FloraLife® Cleaner Plus
FloraLife® Cleaner Plus   
FloraLife® STRIP-IT® Cleaner
FloraLife® STRIP-IT® Cleaner        
Hydrate
FloraLife® Bulb 100
FloraLife® Bulb 100          
FloraLife HydraFlor® 100
FloraLife HydraFlor® 100      
Floralife® Hydraflor Clear Ultra 100
Floralife® Hydraflor Clear Ultra 100      
FloraLife® Hydrate Hydrangea
FloraLife® Hydrate Hydrangea          
FloraLife® Hydrate Plus 100
FloraLife® Hydrate Plus 100        
FloraLife® Hydrate Universal 100
FloraLife® Hydrate Universal 100        
FloraLife® PRG
FloraLife® PRG 
FloraLife® Quick Dip
FloraLife® Quick Dip    
Treat
EthylBloc™ Tablet
EthylBloc™ Tablet     
EthylBloc™ Truck Kit
EthylBloc™ Truck Kit    
FloraLife® EthylGuard 100
FloraLife® EthylGuard 100        
FloraLife® EthylGuard ULTRA 100
FloraLife® EthylGuard ULTRA 100        
FloraLife® Calla Lily 100
FloraLife® Calla Lily 100          
FloraLife® Shield ULTRA
FloraLife® Shield ULTRA        
Store & Transport
FloraLife® 200
FloraLife® 200   
FloraLife® Clear 200
FloraLife® Clear 200   
FloraLife® Clear ULTRA 200
FloraLife® Clear ULTRA 200   
FloraLife® Clear 200 eZ Dose®
FloraLife® Clear 200 eZ Dose®   
FloraLife® Clear Rose 200
FloraLife® Clear Rose 200          
FloraLife® Express 200 eZ Dose®
FloraLife® Express 200 eZ Dose®   
FloraLife® Express Clear 200
FloraLife® Express Clear 200   
FloraLife® Bouquet Wrap
FloraLife® Bouquet Wrap   
Feed
FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300
FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300          
FloraLife Crystal Clear®
FloraLife Crystal Clear®      
FloraLife Crystal Clear® ULTRA
FloraLife Crystal Clear® ULTRA      
FloraLife® Clear 300
FloraLife® Clear 300      
FloraLife® Express Universal 300
FloraLife® Express Universal 300      
FloraLife® Floral Foam Food 300
FloraLife® Floral Foam Food 300      
FloraLife® Flower Food 300
FloraLife® Flower Food 300      
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300          
FloraLife® Special Blend 300
FloraLife® Special Blend 300      
Finish
FloraLife® Clear Crowning Glory
FloraLife® Clear Crowning Glory   
FloraLife® ForEver Green
FloraLife® ForEver Green          
FloraLife® HydroSpray
FloraLife® HydroSpray    
FloraLife® LeafShine
FloraLife® LeafShine   
FloraLife® LeafShine Silicone Free
FloraLife® LeafShine Silicone Free   
Dose
FloraLife® Blend Center
FloraLife® Blend Center 
FloraLife® Aquablend Injector
FloraLife® Aquablend Injector 
FloraLife® QuickMix Handheld Dosing System
FloraLife® QuickMix Handheld Dosing System
Customer Care
FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300 Packets
FloraLife® Bulb Food Clear 300 Packets          
FloraLife Crystal Clear® Packets
FloraLife Crystal Clear® Packets  
FloraLife® Universal 300 Packets
FloraLife® Universal 300 Packets  
FloraLife® Flower Food 300 Packets
FloraLife® Flower Food 300 Packets  
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300 Packets
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300 Packets          
Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit
Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit         
FloraLife® Surface Cleaner
FloraLife® Surface Cleaner         
FloraLife® Quick Dip
FloraLife® Quick Dip         
FloraLife® Flower Food
FloraLife® Flower Food         
FloraLife® Finishing Touch Spray
FloraLife® Finishing Touch Spray