Sunflowers are a welcome sight in gardens, greeting the world with their brilliant petals and delicious seeds.
Most varieties of sunflowers make an appearance around mid to late summer and through early autumn.
So, one might ask themself, is the sunflower a fall flower?
We did some research to find out what season the sunflower is affiliated with and when this lovely perennial is typically blooming.
Yes, you can consider the sunflower a fall flower. The sunflower comes in a host of colorful varieties and can be seen following the sun throughout the day, but they often arrive in late summer and early fall.
The timing of when a sunflower shows off its beautiful bloom and head depends on the zone where it is grown, how much sun it receives, and when it was planted.
Aside from sunflowers showing up around the late summer and early fall season, there are plenty of celebrations to honor the sunflower.
In addition to enjoying activities like venturing through corn mazes and picking pumpkins, everyone can enjoy the majesty and beauty of sunflowers.
If you want to learn more information about sunflowers in the fall and their rich history, check out the rest of this article.
A Flower for the Autumn Season
Sunflowers are an attractive plant to birds and bees, so it's no wonder why many gardeners love including this flower in their garden to attract local pollinators.
The sunflower has been considered a symbol of longevity, joy, adoration, and the sun for many centuries.
Considering this flower can return for many years in the future, learning what encourages sunflowers to make a welcome return is understandable.
If you are curious about determining whether a sunflower is of an annual or perennial variety, there are some tell-tale signs.
For starters, perennial sunflowers typically are smaller or dwarf-size, and the flowers grow in clusters. Annual variations of sunflowers usually have a large bloom growing atop a single thick stalk.
Perennial sunflowers often appear from late-summer and last through November.
For good results, most sunflowers should be planted directly into the soil after the first frost has passed, sometime between early April through the middle of June.
If you are growing an annual variety of sunflowers, new plants grown from seeds left behind lat year won't show up until late spring.
Enjoy the best-looking sunflowers by providing them with fertile soil that drains well, a location with plenty of full sun, and enough water and space.
Some great types of perennial sunflowers include the following:
- Willowleaf
- Maximiliani
- Multiflorus
If you are interested in some annual types of sunflowers, check out the following varieties:
- Gloriosa
- Autumn Beauty
- Sunbeam
No matter what variety of sunflowers you are growing, most types last fairly long throughout autumn. Plus, there are ways that this plant can return each year, even if it is not a perennial.
When Do Sunflowers Bloom?
The sunflower plant shows its vibrant and visually stunning blooms between early summer through mid-fall. But, depending on the variety of the sunflower you are growing, and whether it is an indoor or outdoor plant impact when blooms appear.
Helianthus Occidentalis blooms in the late summer with its blooms on display from August through September. However, Helianthus Annuus has flowers that appear as early as July and last through August.
Be on the lookout for natural pests and diseases that can hamper the longevity of sunflower blooms, like grasshoppers or worms, if outdoors, or mites and poor light conditions indoors.
You can try your hand at growing a dwarf-variety of sunflower indoors under an LED light for delightful blooms. Also, remember that it takes 30 days for a sunflower to bloom, and blooms usually last about 20 days.
Check out this tall variety of sunflowers on Amazon.
Can You Get Sunflowers in October?
There is a slight chance you might be able to enjoy sunflower blooms in October. If you are growing sunflowers in your garden, you may want to try a variety like SunBelievable Brown Eyed Girl Helianthus, or Autumn Beauty, which show off their blooms from August through September.
If your sunflowers are late bloomers, their flower heads may still be radiant into early October. You will have better luck if you choose sunflowers that are a late-blooming variety.
If you are unsure about growing sunflowers, you opt for cut flowers. Make cut flowers last longer by adding a heaping spoonful of sugar to the water, a teaspoon of bleach, and changing the water every few days.
Check out this adorable sunflower grow kit on Amazon.
Are Sunflowers a Fall Decoration?
Since most sunflowers will display their colorful petals between summer and early fall, they are a suitable choice for fall decorations. Collect sunflowers and show them off in vases or make exquisite table decorations for a dinner party or event.
Sunflowers can be hung up to dry openly for visual interest in the kitchen, living room, or bedroom. You can weave sunflowers into a garland or use them for a wedding party.
There are also plenty of household items with sunflowers as decorative motifs or patterns to ring in the arrival of autumn.
Check out this variety pack of sunflower seeds on Amazon.
What Other Flowers Represent Fall?
In addition to sunflowers, many types of flowers are symbolic of fall, the harvest, and add plenty of color and beauty to our world.
Try your hand at growing marigolds, zinnias, hyssop, dahlias, celosia, pansies, salvia, or chrysanthemums. The symbolism behind these autumn blooming beauties is precious indeed.
Celosia- comes in purple, red, or orange and represents immortality, warmth, friendship, and affection.
Chrysanthemums- cultivated originally from China, represent memorial, honor, and long life.
Dahlias- comes in rich jewel tones of red, purple, pink, and represents elegance, enduring grace, and strength.
Hyssop- Biblical significance and used for ritual cleansing.
Marigolds- represent the sun, courage, passion, and creativity and come in orange or yellow blooms.
Try planning a garden displaying meaningful value with colorful flowers for your indoor or outdoor garden. You can enjoy beautiful flowers during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons from sunflowers and beyond.
Check out these articles to discover more about the sunflower.