Cut Sunflower `F1 Splendor Orange

10 Seeds

'F1 Splendor Orange' is a premium hybrid cut-flower sunflower that produces large, brilliant orange blooms on strong, upright stems. It is ideal for cut flower production, flower beds, borders, and pollinator gardens, attracting bees and butterflies. In the Gulf region, it grows best during the cooler season.

Best Planting Time

• September to February (recommended)
• Can also be sown in early March in cooler Gulf areas.
• Avoid sowing during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 4–6 hours before sowing to speed up germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality hybrid seeds.

Soil Preparation

Sunflowers grow best in fertile, loose, well-drained soil.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Sandy garden soil
• 30% Well-rotted compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.5

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds directly where they will grow, as sunflowers dislike root disturbance.
• Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep.
• Place 1 seed per hole.
• Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 20–30°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–32°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Full sun produces the strongest stems and largest flowers.

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
• Once established, water deeply when the top 3–5 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Avoid waterlogging.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 30–40 cm between plants.
• 45–60 cm between rows.

Flowering & Harvest

• Blooms approximately 70–90 days after sowing.
• For cut flowers, harvest when the petals have just begun to open and the center is still firm.
• Cut stems early in the morning for the longest vase life.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Feed every 3–4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• During bud formation, apply a fertilizer slightly higher in potassium for stronger stems and brighter flowers.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages foliage rather than flowers.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cooler season for the best flower quality.
• Water early in the morning.
• Apply mulch to conserve soil moisture and keep roots cool.
• Protect young seedlings from strong winds.
• Monitor for aphids, caterpillars, birds feeding on seeds, powdery mildew, and stem rot.
• 'F1 Splendor Orange' performs exceptionally well in flower farms, raised beds, home gardens, and large landscape plantings throughout the Gulf.