Choose a variety that is known for tall sunflowers, such as ‘Russian Giant… Here are a few of them: Mammoth - Perhaps the best known of the giant sunflower varieties. Top Tips for a Giant Sunflower! The center of the sunflower, where the seeds develop, is made up of tiny blossoms that bees love. Sunflowers are easy to grow, drought and heat tolerant, and don’t require much maintenance so they’re a good choice if you don’t want to spend full afternoons looking after your plants. The "Russian Giant" sunflower (Helianthus annuus "Russian Giant") belongs to the family of giant sunflowers that also includes "Russian Mammoth," "Jumbo" and "Paul Bunyan Hybrid." Giant sunflower is one of seventy species of sunflowers that belong to the daisy family, all but three of which are native to North America. I’ve used them for all sorts of things. The giant sunflower also needs even more sun than regular sunflowers, at least 7 or 8 hours a day, so you might want to ensure that the location you are planting will maximize sun exposure. To stake a giant sunflower, drive upright stakes into the ground and fastening the plant to the stake using plant ties or twine. Certain varieties of sunflowers can grow to be over 16 feet tall, so you will need to support the stems. The name sunflower is usually associated with the large flowered seed producing annual that is grown for its edible kernels, but in fact, most species are perennials. Speaking of the inside of a sunflower, it is made from smaller flowers; the outer petals are known as ray florets. Use barrier devices around your sunflowers to deter wildlife during harvest time. The upper part isn't going to flop over without taking the whole thing down with it. I decorated a Christmas tree with paper flowers, I made a giant paper flower … Varieties of Giant Sunflowers: There number of varieties of giant sunflowers. This spring I was given a bunch of giant sunflower seeds from a relative. I don't normally fuss too much about sunflowers. The giant flower on sunflowers is made up of many tiny blooms. Many believe it is also the best looking of the giant sunflowers. In winter or early spring dig over the area where your sunflower will grow and mix in lots of well rotted horse manure. They may be mammoth? Until I learn otherwise I'm just going to call them the Big-A** Sunflowers! Y’all know I’m obsessed with giant paper flowers. Free SVG cut files and printable templates. All I now is they're taller than me and the flowers and seed heads are bigger than my head. An enormous head, more than a foot across, sits atop a 7-12 foot plant. Staking the sunflower’s tall stems will help support the weight of the budding sunflower heads. Check the back of the flower head for yellowing to identify seed ripening. Hang flower heads upside down in a warm, dry place and harvest seeds into a bag. If you want to tie it in a few places, or build a taller tepee, that's ok. My sunflower stem is over 1" thick. In general, these tall plants support themselves — until you get a big storm. Plant a giant sunflower in the shade and you can simply forget getting a giant sunflower – you will get a medium one at best. Learn how to make giant paper sunflowers out of cardstock. Support your sunflowers with staking if they grow over three feet. Here are a few tips to help you make sure your first attempt at growing sunflowers with the kids is a successful one. Get giant sunflowers with proper spacing Sounds obvious, but choose a very sunny position for your sunflower to grow. I really don't know. Bamboo Poles and Stem Ladder Plant Supports are for tall plants, such as delphiniums, hollyhocks, dinnerplate dahlias—even sunflowers.