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Helianthus annuus 'Ms Mars'
sunflower
An easy-to-grow sunflower with a striking reddish-brown central eye surrounded by a collar of chunky reddish-pink petals that soften towards...
3 × packets of seeds
In stock (delivery within 2-3 working days)
approx 20 seeds
In stock (delivery within 2-3 working days)
1
Delivery options
Plant description
An easy-to-grow sunflower with a striking reddish-brown central eye surrounded by a collar of chunky reddish-pink petals that soften towards the tips. Adds bold, warm colour to summer borders and is highly attractive to pollinators. Strong stems make it ideal for cutting and vase displays. The edible petals can also be used as a decorative garnish in salads and summer dishes.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Helianthus annuus Ms Mars:
Whilst easy to grow, annual sunflowers in exposed situations may require staking or support. Water deeply but infrequently and feed sparingly to avoid prompting leaf growth over flowers. If you wish to harvest the seed, protect flower head with garden fleece to deter squirrels and birds, or cut the head and dry indoors.
Sowing instructions:
Under glass, start them off in late winter by planting the seeds up to 5cm (2in) deep in deep pots or root trainers filled with good seed compost. When large enough to handle, plant outside in spring after gradually hardening off. Alternatively, sow directly into a well-prepared seed bed in spring and thin to 30cm (12in) as they grow. If sowing outside, temporarily cover the bed with a net to protect the seeds from birds, and keep an eye out for slugs and snails when the seedlings emerge.
