Huge sunflower reaching up to 5m (16ft) tall
Sturdy stems need no support
Fun for kids to grow
RHS Award of Garden Merit

Giant by name and giant by nature! Sunflower ‘American Giant’ really is huge, growing up to 5m (16ft) tall, with a strong sturdy stem that needs no support. This quick-growing sunflower is fun for kids to grow and perfect for winning competitions! A holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, it’s also pollinator-friendly and great for wildlife gardens.

Sow indoors

Fill a small 6cm (2½ in) pot with span style=""text-decoration: underline;"">seed compost, shake and level firm with the base of another pot. Water well with a fine rose. Sow seeds individually into compost, pushing seeds to 1cm (½ in) deep. Place in a propagator at 15-20°C (60-70°F) or cover pot with cling film and leave in a warm room. When shoots appear, remove cling film. Keep seedlings in a light position, but shade from direct sunlight. Grow on in a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F)

Sow outdoors

Sow seeds in pre-watered soil at a depth of 2cm (1in) in their flowering positions. Keep soil moist until seedlings are established. Thin out to 30cm (12in) apart.

Plant out

Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out when risk of frost has passed. Water well until established.

Special Note: Do not remove spent sunflower heads. They provide attractive autumn seed heads which are great for providing wild birds with a treat.

Tips

Sunflower seeds are not only for wild birds. Cut and hang the mature sunflower seed head upside down in a warm, well ventilated room. Once dry push the seeds out of the head and store in a dry cloth bag. Eat as required.