Helianthus Vanilla Ice has a rich, dark chocolate centre surrounded by creamy yellow petals that gently pale towards their tips, making it a truly mouth-watering sight. The strong-stemmed, branching plants can reach up to 2m tall, creating a striking presence in the garden.
🌸 Flowering: July to September
📏 Height: to 200cm
🌿Annual
SOW: start indoors in February or March in individual pots or modules, about 1cm deep, at around 20°C. Germination takes 1–2 weeks. In milder areas, you can also sow outdoors in April, either in pots or direct where they’re to flower.
GROW: harden off and plant out once frosts have passed, spacing them 40–50cm apart. Keep well watered and choose a sunny, open spot. Stake tall varieties, especially if you're using them as a screen or windbreak.
ENJOY:: the sturdy stems and branching habit make this sunflower perfect for cutting. It also attracts beneficial insects, while the seeds provide a tasty treat for birds in winter — and for anyone who loves roasting them!
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