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.
Resources
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.