Arikara sunflower
Helianthus annuus 'Arikara'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
96 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Helianthus annuus 'Arikara' is a tall sunflower cultivar known for its vibrant yellow blooms and edible seeds, traditionally cultivated by Indigenous peoples. This cultivar is notable for its large, showy flowers and was historically significant in Native American agriculture.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Tuck seeds 1 inch deep into soil after last frost.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart for proper air circulation.
- Mist cuttings or transplant seedlings after roots develop in 4-6 weeks.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during growing season.
Pro Tip
Plant in early spring for a summer bloom, and deadhead regularly for continuous flowers.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week 🌱
- Provide full sun for at least 6 hours daily
- Stake taller varieties to prevent wind damage
- Apply organic compost annually
- Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t plant in shady areas
- Skip fertilizing in late fall
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid using chemical pesticides without organic options
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Arikara sunflower questions
What zones can Arikara sunflower grow in?
Arikara 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 Arikara sunflower deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Arikara sunflower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Arikara sunflower bloom?
Arikara sunflower typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Arikara sunflower need full sun?
Arikara sunflower does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Arikara sunflower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Arikara 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, Serpentine Sunflower
Helianthus bolanderi
Salicifolius Sunflower Willowleaf Sunflower
Helianthus salicifolius
Table Mountain Sunflower
Helianthus annuus 'Table Mountain'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Arikara 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.
