Species
Helianthus annuusCommon Sunflower15 other cultivars
‘Table Mountain’Table Mountain Sunflower
‘White Lite’White Lite Sunflower
‘Mammoth’Mammoth Sunflower
‘Big Bear’Big Bear Sunflower
‘Autumn Gold’Sunflower Autumn Gold
‘Lemon Queen’Lemon Queen Sunflower
‘Flore Pleno’Double-Flowered Sunflower
‘Happy Days’Happy Days Sunflower
‘Japanese Silver-Leaf’Japanese Silver-Leaf Sunflower
‘Aura Gold’Aura Gold Sunflower
‘Ring of Fire’Ring of Fire Sunflower
‘Red Courtesan’Red Courtesan Sunflower
‘Arikara’Arikara sunflower
‘Starter Garden’Starter Garden Common Sunflower
‘Italian White’Italian White Sunflower
The Story
Plant Bio
Tall, sun-loving annual with large yellow flowers that follow the sun.
Known for its impressive height and large flower heads, ideal for butterfly gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
72 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late summer – Early fall
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds 1 inch deep into the soil in early spring after the last frost.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the seeds.
- Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they sprout.
- Mist young plants regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Pro Tip
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last frost for earlier blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Provide full sun for optimal growth
- Stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage
- Fertilize monthly for healthy blooms
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendment
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Delta Sunflower questions
What zones can Delta Sunflower grow in?
Delta Sunflower is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Delta Sunflower deer resistant?
Yes — Delta Sunflower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Delta Sunflower bloom?
Delta Sunflower typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Delta Sunflower need full sun?
Delta Sunflower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Delta Sunflower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Delta Sunflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Helianthus to compare
Swamp Sunflower
Helianthus angustifolius 'First Light'
Maximilian sunflower
Helianthus maximiliani
Narrow-Leaf Sunflower Low Down
Helianthus angustifolius 'Low Down'
Bolander's Sunflower
Helianthus bolanderi
Salicifolius Sunflower Willowleaf Sunflower
Helianthus salicifolius
Table Mountain Sunflower
Helianthus annuus 'Table Mountain'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Delta Sunflower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.