Helianthus annuus 'Ruby Eclipse'
sunflower
- approx 20 seeds
- £2.99
- available to order from spring
Delivery options
- Seed Packets (only) £2.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately-fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
This striking annual sunflower stands out for its branching habit and steady display of bicoloured blooms that show a strong dark centre surrounded by petals shifting from soft yellow to deep rose-red. Helianthus annuus 'Ruby Eclipse' suits sunny borders, larger containers, and cutting gardens where dependable summer colour is needed.
The flowers form quickly, usually within nine weeks, and the pollen-free heads make clean, long-lasting stems for indoor use. Plants stay upright with a sturdy form, producing multiple flowering branches that extend the season over several weeks.
The flowers form quickly, usually within nine weeks, and the pollen-free heads make clean, long-lasting stems for indoor use. Plants stay upright with a sturdy form, producing multiple flowering branches that extend the season over several weeks.
Whilst easy to grow, annual sunflowers in exposed situations may require staking or support. Water deeply but infrequently and feed sparingly to avoid prompting leaf growth over flowers. If you wish to harvest the seed, protect the flower head with garden fleece to deter squirrels and birds, or cut the head and dry indoors.
Under glass, start them off in late winter by planting the seeds up to 5cm (2in) deep in deep pots or root trainers filled with good seed compost. When large enough to handle, plant outside in spring after gradually hardening off.
Alternatively, sow directly into a well-prepared seed bed in spring and thin to 30cm (12in) as they grow. If sowing outside, temporarily cover the bed with a net to protect the seeds from birds, and keep an eye out for slugs and snails when the seedlings emerge.
Alternatively, sow directly into a well-prepared seed bed in spring and thin to 30cm (12in) as they grow. If sowing outside, temporarily cover the bed with a net to protect the seeds from birds, and keep an eye out for slugs and snails when the seedlings emerge.