Species
Helianthus annuusCommon Sunflower15 other cultivars
‘Table Mountain’Table Mountain Sunflower
‘White Lite’White Lite Sunflower
‘Mammoth’Mammoth Sunflower
‘Big Bear’Big Bear Sunflower
‘Lemon Queen’Lemon Queen Sunflower
‘Flore Pleno’Double-Flowered Sunflower
‘Delta Sunflower’Delta 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
Helianthus annuus 'Autumn Gold' is a tall, annual sunflower distinguished by its bright, golden-yellow flower heads and broad, rough-textured foliage, providing vibrant summer and autumn color.
This cultivar is celebrated for its early flowering and large, luminous blooms that attract pollinators, making it ideal for lively garden displays and cut flower arrangements.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
72 inches
Width
36 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
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds 1 inch deep into well-draining soil.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Place in full sun for optimal growth.
- Thin seedlings to 18 inches apart once established.
- Support tall stems with stakes if needed.
- Harvest seeds when back of head turns brown.
Pro Tip
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before last frost for earlier blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Provide support for tall stems
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize excessively, too much nitrogen causes legginess
- Keep weeds away to reduce competition
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| 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
Sunflower Autumn Gold questions
What zones can Sunflower Autumn Gold grow in?
Sunflower Autumn Gold 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 Sunflower Autumn Gold deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Sunflower Autumn Gold, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Sunflower Autumn Gold bloom?
Sunflower Autumn Gold 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 Sunflower Autumn Gold need full sun?
Sunflower Autumn Gold does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Sunflower Autumn Gold drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sunflower Autumn Gold 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 Sunflower Autumn Gold 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.