Sunflower Valentine | Helianthu annuus

Sunflower Valentine | Helianthu annuus

Helianthus annuus 'Valentine' is a high-yielding, heavily branched sunflower variety, known for its early flowering and stunning lemon-yellow blooms. With flowers reaching up to 15 cm (6 in) in diameter and an impressive plant height of 135 cm (53 in), this sunflower is an excellent choice for garden borders, cut flower production, and bedding displays.

Its strong, long stems and vibrant flower color make it an ideal cut flower, offering excellent vase life and stunning floral arrangements. 'Valentine' sunflowers are easy to grow and thrive in full sun, making them perfect for both field cultivation and greenhouse growing.

Key Features:

✔ Early flowering and highly branched for high yield
✔ Lemon-yellow blooms with a bright, cheerful appearance
✔ Perfect for bedding, borders, and cut flower arrangements
✔ Low-maintenance and thrives in sunny locations

Growing Information:

• Crop Time: Spring: 10-12 weeks
• Height: 135 cm (53 in)
• Flower Size: 12-15 cm (5-6 in)
• Light Requirement: Full Sun
• Best Uses: Bedding, cut flower production

How to Grow Sunflower 'Valentine'

Sowing Instructions:

• Indoor Forcing: March-August (sow in intervals)
• Outdoor Sowing: April to mid-July
• Sowing Method: 1-2 seeds per plug, direct field sowing recommended
• Germination:
  • Takes 5 days at 18-24°C (65-75°F)
  • Supplemental lighting during germination improves quality
  • Stage II: Maintain 21°C (70°F)
  • Stage III & IV: Reduce to 17°C (62°F)

Growing On:

• Transplant at two true leaf stage or direct sow in the field.
• Spacing: 12x12 cm (5x5 in).
• Fertilization:
  • Start with 100 ppm nitrogen after transplanting.
  • Increase to 200-250 ppm nitrogen after three weeks.
  • Weekly fertilization with potassium-balanced mix (N: K₂O = 1:1.5).
• Watering: Avoid drying out as leaf scorch can occur. Avoid late-day watering to prevent foliage disorders.

Media & Soil Preparation:

• Field: Treat substrate with herbicide or remove weeds mechanically. Standard fertilization: 100-120 g/m² slow-release fertilizer.
• Greenhouse: Use a well-drained growing substrate with 15-30% clay, complete balanced fertilizer, slow-release nutrients, and micronutrients. Maintain a pH of 5.5-6.2.

Temperature & Care Tips:

• Field Cultivation: Start from April, growing at 15-18°C. Do not cultivate flowering plants below 12°C.
• Avoid frost, as sunflowers are not cold-tolerant.
• Prevent nutrient deficiencies (iron, phosphate, and magnesium) by applying magnesium sulfate (0.05%) and iron-chelate as needed.

Why Choose 'Valentine' Sunflower?

✔ Bright lemon-yellow blooms with a long vase life
✔ Early flowering and ideal for high-yield production
✔ Easy to grow and perfect for gardens and professional growers

Enjoy the radiant beauty and high-yield blooms of Helianthus annuus 'Valentine'! Order premium seeds today!