‘Giant Single’ is a tall-growing variety of the traditional easy-to-grow sunflower. The blooms have dark centres and attractive bright golden petals. These are held on tall stems which are capable of growing several metres.

It is an ideal variety for mass planting or for children to grow. if planted next to a wall or tall cane they can chart its progress as it grows.

Fast growing sunflowers, especially the really big cultivars, are always favourites with children. They are fascinated with the large size and bright colours of this easy-to-grow garden giant. They love the way it follows the sun.
Bees and butterflies frequent the flowers, and all sunflowers are good and long lasting as cut flowers. Birds and squirrels will help themselves to the seeds.

This variety was recently featured in the Gardeners’ World Sunflower Trial.

Sowing:
Sow indoors in Feb-April, outdoors in May

Starting in pots:
For early flowers, start indoors as early as February or March, to germinate in about 10 days at 60 – 65°F. Plant out in April or May.
Use 7.5cm (3in) pots and a good sowing compost. Sow one seed 2.5mm (1in) deep per pot. Water and either cover with polythene or bubble plastic to retain the heat, or place pots on a heated bench or in a propagator with the temperature set at 13°C (55°F).
Remove the covers when the leaves appear. Plant seedlings outside when they are large enough to be handled and the root system is well developed. Add garden compost to the soil if it is heavy or infertile.

Direct planting:
Plant outside as early as possible to miss heavy frosts, to germinate in about 1 – 3 weeks. Sow seed 5cm (2in) deep and spaced 45cm (18in) apart in borders. Water seedlings regularly and, when growing tall forms, feed sparingly with a liquid fertiliser when 60cm (2ft) high. Avoid splashing water or fertiliser solution on the stems or leaves.

Beware of slugs when they are still young plants and birds stealing the seeds.

Cut flowers:
For continuity of blooms, sow a succession of sunflowers every fortnight for six weeks in the early part of the growing season. In a hot summer, each cycle from sowing to blooming will take about 60 days.
Pick flowers early in the day, but wait until the sun has dried the dew. Remove leaves that are low on the stem, leaving just two or three higher up, near the flower’s face. Place the flowers in a bucket filled with water, and leave them to stand for several hours in a cool room before placing in a vase. Change the water every few days. Blooms can last up to a fortnight when kept in water.

Plant Uses:
Cottage/Informal Garden, Flower Arranging, Flowers Borders and Beds or Wildflower Gardens, Children