Helianthus annuus Holiday | Sunflower

A classic golden-yellow branching sunflower with dark chocolate-brown centres, strong stems and an abundance of flowers – an excellent variety for cut flower gardens, bouquets and pollinator-friendly planting.

Helianthus annuus 'Holiday' combines the timeless appearance of a traditional sunflower with a productive, branching growth habit. The plants develop into rounded, well-branched bushes producing numerous golden-yellow flowers with contrasting dark brown centres.

Unlike single-stem sunflowers, Holiday produces multiple flowering side shoots, allowing several stems to be harvested from each plant. The flowers are carried on strong stems and have the classic sunflower appearance that works beautifully in cheerful summer bouquets.

The blooms can reach approximately 15 cm in diameter, while plants grow to around 110 cm tall.

Holiday is an open-pollinated, pollen-producing variety, making it an excellent choice not only for cutting but also for attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.

Why Choose Sunflower Holiday?

• Classic golden-yellow sunflower colour
• Contrasting dark chocolate-brown centres
• Branching growth habit
• Produces multiple flowers per plant
• Strong stems suitable for cutting
• Flowers up to approximately 15 cm
• Excellent traditional cut flower
• Long harvesting period from branching plants
• Produces pollen
• Attractive to bees and other pollinators
• Open-pollinated variety
• Easy and fast to grow from seed

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Helianthus annuus
• Common name: Sunflower
• Variety: Holiday
• Flower colour: Golden yellow with dark brown centre
• Flower size: Up to approx. 15 cm
• Plant height: Approx. 110 cm
• Growth habit: Upright, bushy and branching
• Life cycle: Annual
• Days to maturity: Approx. 70–80 days
• Exposure: Full sun
• Seed form: Raw seed
• Hybrid status: Open pollinated
• Pollen: Yes
• Use: Cut flowers, bouquets, flower beds and pollinator gardens

Sowing

Direct Sowing

Direct sowing is recommended. Sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has started to warm.

Sow seeds approximately 1–1.5 cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil.

Germination generally occurs within 5–14 days at temperatures around 18–24°C.

For a continuous supply of fresh flowers, make succession sowings approximately every 2–3 weeks during spring and early summer.

Sowing for Transplanting

For earlier flowers, seeds can be started indoors approximately 2–3 weeks before planting outdoors.

Sow one seed per cell or small pot. Transplant when seedlings have developed around two true leaves.

Sunflowers dislike root disturbance, so avoid keeping seedlings in small containers for too long and transplant them carefully.

Growing & Care

Holiday performs best in full sun and light, fertile, well-drained soil.

Water consistently during establishment and prolonged dry periods. Avoid allowing plants to become severely dry, particularly during active growth and flower development.

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, as this can encourage excessive vegetative growth and negatively affect flower quality.

Because Holiday is a branching sunflower, allow sufficient space for the plant to develop its rounded form and multiple flowering stems.

Pinching

Pinching the central growing point while plants are young can encourage stronger branching and additional usable cutting stems.

For gardeners and flower growers aiming for multiple smaller flowers rather than one dominant central bloom, pinching can be particularly useful.

Harvesting for Cut Flowers

Harvest when the petals are beginning to open and the characteristic golden-yellow colour is clearly visible.

Flowers can also be harvested at a more open stage depending on the intended use and local market preference.

Cut stems preferably early in the morning or during the cooler part of the day and place immediately into clean water.

Because Holiday produces multiple side shoots, regular harvesting allows you to collect several flowers from a single plant over the season.

Succession Sowing

Holiday reaches maturity in approximately 70–80 days under suitable growing conditions.

For flower farms and cutting gardens, sowing a new batch every 2–3 weeks helps provide a continuous supply of fresh sunflower stems throughout summer and into early autumn.

Perfect For

• Cut flower production
• Flower farms
• Cutting gardens
• Summer bouquets
• Farmers' market bouquets
• Cottage gardens
• Flower beds and borders
• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Helianthus annuus 'Holiday' is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a productive sunflower with the beloved traditional look. Its golden-yellow petals, dark centres, branching habit and multiple cutting stems make it equally valuable for professional cut flower production and home gardens.