Sunflower

Helianthus annuus, Asteraceae

Zones

2a–11b

Layer

Herbaceous

Lifespan

Annual

Growth

Fast

Guild Roles

Pollinator AttractorBeneficial Insect HabitatProducer

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (optimal)

Water

LowModerate

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Common BeanPhaseolus vulgaris

Nitrogen FixationPhysical Support

ZucchiniCucurbita pepo

Pollinator SharingBeneficial Insect Habitat

CucumberCucumis sativus

Physical SupportShade Provision

Yellow Giant HyssopAgastache nepetoides

Pest DeterrentBeneficial Insect Habitat

Antagonistic Plants

PotatoSolanum tuberosum

Sunflower residue allelopathy inhibits potato growth

ButternutJuglans cinerea

Butternut produces juglone which inhibits sunflower growth and germination

Woodland PhloxPhlox divaricata

Sunflower produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit woodland phlox growth

Japanese SedgeCarex morrowii

Sunflower's allelopathic compounds inhibit Japanese sedge growth

SwitchgrassPanicum virgatum

Annual sunflower can suppress switchgrass establishment through competition and allelopathic effects

Uses

Functions

FoodOil

Edible Parts

Seeds

Common Questions

What zones does Sunflower grow in?

Sunflower grows in USDA hardiness zones 2a through 11b.

What are good companion plants for Sunflower?

Good companions for Sunflower include Common Bean, Zucchini, Cucumber, Yellow Giant Hyssop.

Design guilds with Sunflower and see companion relationships visually.

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