Grow a garden filled with Italian White Sunflowers, from freshly harvested Helianthus annus flower seeds. Italian White will produce pale yellow, almost white blooms atop stems that raise 5 to 7 feet tall. Blooms will measure roughly 4 inches in diameter. They are categorized as an annual flowering plant that grows quickly, blooms profusely and later dies with the first frost. Seeds from the flower heads can be collected for resowing the following year.
Sunflowers are among one of the easiest plants to establish from fresh flower seeds. They don’t take very long to germinate, need little to no care, and aren’t too picky on soil conditions. Italian White makes an excellent cut flower for bouquets and floral arrangements as well. Grow Sunflowers along borders & fences or in flower beds as a background plant.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: White / Creamy Yellow
- Height: 5′ to 7′ Tall
- Width: 18″ Spread
- Season: Annual
- Zones: All
- Environment: Full sun
Sowing The Seed
Sunflowers are not particularly fond of being transplanted, but if started indoors, sow in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow at a depth of 1/2” under topsoil. Transplant entire pots into the garden, or direct sow when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Stakes may be necessary to support your Sunflowers, only until the stems become stronger enough to stand on their own.
Growing Conditions
Sunflowers grow long taproots and may rot if the roots become waterlogged. It is recommended to check your sowing area for hard, compacted soil prior to sowing. Renew any hard, compacted soil with a mixture of compost. Sunflowers will enjoy an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day and should be watered daily so that the soil is kept moist until germination has occurred.
Germination & Growth
Your sunflower seeds will begin to germinate within 7 to 10 days after sowing. Plants will grow to a mature height of 5 to 7 feet tall. Space your seeds about 6 to 12 inches apart from one another. Italian White is an annual sunflower that will produce 4 inch, light yellow, almost white blooms.