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Description
Helianthus Annuus, commonly known as Sunflowers, are cheerful and bright flowers that are easy to grow. The Suntastic Yellow with Black Center is a popular variety of sunflower that produces large, bright yellow flowers with a dark black center. It is a multi-branched plant that grows up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The Suntastic Yellow with Black Center is a great addition to any garden or landscape, and it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
Appearance
The Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower has large, bright yellow flowers that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. The flowers have a dark black center, which is made up of many small tubular flowers. The leaves are green and slightly hairy, and they can grow up to 12 inches long. The plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and it has multiple branches with flowers at the top of each branch. The Suntastic Yellow with Black Center is a beautiful and eye-catching plant that adds a splash of color to any garden or landscape.
Care Guide
The Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your sunflower:
- Water: Sunflowers need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently if the soil is dry.
- Fertilization: Sunflowers are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: Sunflowers prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil types, but they do not like soil that is too acidic.
- Sunlight: Sunflowers need full sun to grow and thrive. They should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower is an annual plant that can be grown in all hardiness zones.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few things to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap out of the plant and cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars can cut the stem of the plant at ground level, killing the entire plant. They can be controlled with insecticides or by placing a collar around the base of the plant.
- Downy Mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellowing leaves and white or gray fuzz on the undersides of the leaves. It can be controlled with fungicides and by removing infected leaves from the plant.
Habitat
The Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower is native to North America and can be found growing in fields, along roadsides, and in gardens and landscapes. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil, but it can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for the Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower to bloom?
A: The Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower blooms in the late summer, about 60-80 days after planting.
Q: Can the Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower can be grown in a container, but it will need a large container and regular watering and fertilization.
Q: How do I harvest the seeds from the Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower?
A: Wait until the flower heads have dried on the plant, then cut them off and remove the seeds. Spread the seeds out to dry for a few days, then store them in a cool, dry place until ready to plant.
Q: Can the Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower be used for cut flowers?
A: Yes, the Suntastic Yellow with Black Center sunflower makes a great cut flower and can last for up to 2 weeks in a vase.
Related Plants
- Helianthus Annuus Autumn Beauty
- Helianthus Annuus Italian White
- Helianthus Annuus Lemon Queen
- Helianthus Annuus Russian Giant
References
- “Helianthus annuus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a438
- “Growing Sunflowers.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac. https://www.almanac.com/plant/sunflowers
- “Sunflower, Suntastic Yellow with Black Center.” Garden.org. https://garden.org/plants/view/79215/Sunflower-Helianthus-annuus-Suntastic-Yellow-with-Black-Center/
