annualN. America Native

Double-Flowered Sunflower

Helianthus annuus 'Flore Pleno'

The Story

Plant Bio

Helianthus annuus 'Flore Pleno' is a tall, annual sunflower with bushy growth, featuring large, fully double yellow flowers and broad, rough-textured leaves that create a striking display in summer and autumn.

This cultivar is distinguished by its fully double, pom-pom-like flowers that provide a more ornamental appearance, making it especially popular for cut flowers and decorative borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesBright, cheerful flowers brighten gardens and attract pollinators, supporting ecological health.
Practical UsesProvides seeds for bird feed, drought-tolerant for water-wise gardening.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinator populations and promotes biodiversity.
SpeciesHelianthus annuusCommon Sunflower

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

72 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds 1 inch deep in well-draining soil in full sun.
  2. Keep soil moist until germination, about 7-10 days.
  3. Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart once established.
  4. Water regularly during dry spells for optimal growth.
  5. Stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage.
  6. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Pro Tip

Plant after last frost for best summer display and ensure full sun exposure.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply once a week 🌱
  • Deadhead to prolong flowering
  • Provide support for tall stems

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t disturb roots during flowering
  • Refrain from fertilizing with high nitrogen in late season

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Harvest
Plant
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Sunny border with bright yellow accentsWildflower meadow centerpieceVivid cut flower in bouquets

Companion Plants

Zinnias CosmosMarigolds Lavender Coneflowers

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Double-Flowered Sunflower questions

What zones can Double-Flowered Sunflower grow in?

Double-Flowered 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 Double-Flowered Sunflower deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Double-Flowered Sunflower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Double-Flowered Sunflower bloom?

Double-Flowered 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 Double-Flowered Sunflower need full sun?

Double-Flowered Sunflower does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Double-Flowered Sunflower drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Double-Flowered Sunflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Double-Flowered 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.