Helianthus annuus Floristan® | Sunflower

A striking branching sunflower with rich reddish-brown petals tipped in golden yellow – an unusual and elegant variety for cut flower gardens, bouquets and summer borders.

Helianthus annuus Floristan® is a distinctive ornamental sunflower valued for its dramatic two-tone flowers and excellent branching habit. The blooms feature deep reddish-brown petals with contrasting golden-yellow tips, creating a warm, painterly effect that stands out beautifully in the garden and in floral arrangements.

Unlike traditional single-stem sunflowers, Floristan® develops lateral branches with strong side shoots suitable for cutting, allowing each plant to produce multiple flowers over an extended period.

The plants grow to approximately 125 cm tall, with individual blooms reaching up to 14 cm in diameter. Its warm combination of burgundy, rust, brown and yellow makes Floristan® particularly beautiful in late-summer and autumn-inspired bouquets.

Why You'll Love Floristan®

• Unique reddish-brown petals with golden-yellow tips
• Attractive two-tone flowers
• Branching growth habit
• Produces multiple flowers per plant
• Strong side shoots suitable for cutting
• Flowers up to approximately 14 cm
• Excellent cut flower variety
• Beautiful for late-summer and autumn bouquets
• Adds rich, warm colour to garden borders
• Easy and fast to grow from seed

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Helianthus annuus
• Variety: Floristan®
• Common name: Sunflower
• Flower colour: Reddish brown with golden-yellow tips
• Flower size: Up to approx. 14 cm
• Plant height: Approx. 125 cm
• Growth habit: Upright, branching
• Life cycle: Annual
• Crop time: 70–84 days
  
• Exposure: Full sun
• Seed form: Raw seed
• Use: Cut flowers, bouquets, flower beds and borders

Sowing

Indoor Sowing

Sow approximately 3–4 weeks before the last expected spring frost.

Sow seeds individually into pots or large cells at a depth of approximately 1–2 cm. Keep the substrate evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Sunflowers develop quickly and do not benefit from remaining in small pots for too long. Transplant outdoors carefully after the danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing

Sunflowers are also excellent for direct sowing outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

Sow approximately 1–2 cm deep in a sunny position.

For a longer cut flower harvest, make succession sowings every 2–3 weeks during spring and early summer.

Growing & Care

Floristan® performs best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.

Water regularly during establishment and prolonged dry periods. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Because Floristan® is naturally branching, allow sufficient space between plants for side shoots to develop properly.

For cut flower production, regular harvesting encourages the development of additional flowering shoots.

Harvesting for Cut Flowers

For the best vase life, harvest when the petals are beginning to open and the flower is developing good colour.

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

The branching habit of Floristan® makes it particularly useful for flower growers, as one plant can provide several stems for cutting rather than a single main bloom.

Perfect For

• Cut flower gardens
• Flower farms
• Summer bouquets
• Late-summer and autumn arrangements
• Cottage gardens
• Flower borders
• Naturalistic planting
• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Helianthus annuus Floristan® combines the cheerful character of a sunflower with sophisticated, dramatic colouring. Its reddish-brown petals tipped with golden yellow, branching habit and multiple cuttable stems make it an excellent choice for both flower growers and home gardeners.