SPERLI Topfsonnenblume Big Smile

A sunflower for pots: just 30 to 40 cm tall, with yellow flowers from July to October – bringing summer to every balcony.

The story

Origins & history

Its botanical name Helianthus annuus combines the Greek “helios”, sun, with “anthos”, flower; “annuus” means annual. Wild sunflowers branch and carry many small heads. It was the indigenous peoples of North America who, over generations, selected plants with large heads and plenty of seeds – creating the sunflower as we know it.

Uses

In a tub or pot it brings the joy of sunflowers where there is no flower bed: to balcony, terrace or doorstep. As a hungry feeder it appreciates Balcony & Flowering Plant Compost and regular feeds of Sunflower Fertiliser. For children it makes a lovely first growing project.

Meaning

Many languages tell in its very name that it turns towards the sun: in French it is “tournesol”, in Italian “girasole”, in Spanish “girasol”.

A thought for giving

This sunflower needs only a pot to make a whole terrace smile. Joy needs little room.

At a glance

• Contents: 1 packet for approx. 15 plants
• Botanical name: Helianthus annuus
• Life cycle: annual
• Height: 30–40 cm
• Position: sunny, partial shade
• Suitable for containers: yes (container, pot)
• Sow indoors: March–April
• Sow outdoors: April–June
• Flowering: July–October
• Sowing depth: 1–2 cm
• Germination temperature: 15–20 °C
• Germination time: 7–14 days
• Plant spacing: 40 cm
• Row spacing: 40 cm
• Seed type: loose seed

How to sow

1. Start off in March and April in Jiffy pellets, or sow directly into the pot from April to June, 1 to 2 cm deep.
2. At 15 to 20 °C the seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days.
3. Plant 40 cm apart in tubs or pots filled with Balcony & Flowering Plant Compost.
4. Place in sun or partial shade; one portion is enough for about 15 plants.

Delivery time: 1–2 weeks. Manufacturer: SPERLI GmbH. Seeds, not a plant – the image shows the original packet.

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