Sunflower Evening Sun – MIg

Description

Evening Sun Sunflower is a stunning heirloom sunflower variety known for its warm, sunset-inspired blooms in shades of deep red, burgundy, orange, copper, and golden yellow. Unlike traditional single-colored sunflowers, Evening Sun produces a beautiful mix of branching stems and multiple flowers, creating a dramatic display throughout the garden. The blooms are excellent for cut flowers, borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly spaces, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The vigorous plants thrive in full sun and warm conditions.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Outdoors: Direct sow seeds in early September and early March.
• Avoid: Peak summer planting, as extreme heat can stress young plants and reduce flowering quality.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Grow in full sun in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost and organic matter.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 7–10 days under warm conditions.
• Spacing: Space plants 30–45 cm apart, with 45–60 cm between rows.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, establishment, flowering, and active growth. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Feeding: Add compost before planting. Use a balanced organic fertilizer during active growth if the soil is poor, but avoid excessive nitrogen which can produce excessive foliage and weaker stems.
• Support: Tall plants may require staking, especially in windy locations or when carrying multiple large flower heads.
• Flowering: Plants typically begin flowering approximately 70–90 days after sowing, depending on growing conditions.
• Harvesting Tips: For cut flowers, harvest stems when the flowers are beginning to open. Remove spent blooms to encourage additional flowering on branching plants.
• Pollinators: The colorful flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making Evening Sun an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.