Fire Red Sunflower

10 Seeds

Fire Red Sunflower is a striking ornamental sunflower variety that produces deep crimson to fiery red petals with golden or bronze highlights surrounding a dark chocolate center. The branching plants produce multiple blooms, making them excellent for cut flowers, borders, pollinator gardens, and landscape displays. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. This annual sunflower grows exceptionally well in the Gulf when planted during the cooler season.

Best Planting Time

• October to February (recommended)
• Late September in cooler Gulf regions.
• Avoid sowing during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Optional: Soak seeds in lukewarm water (25–30°C) for 2–4 hours before sowing to encourage faster germination.
• No cold stratification is needed.

Soil Preparation

Use fertile, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Garden soil
• 30% Compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.5

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds directly into the garden or large containers.
• Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep.
• Place 1–2 seeds per hole.
• Thin to the strongest seedling after germination.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 20–28°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 18–30°C
• Requires 6–8 hours (preferably 8+ hours) of direct sunlight daily.

Watering

• Keep the soil lightly moist during germination.
• Water deeply when the top 3–5 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Once established, water regularly while avoiding waterlogged soil.
• Water early in the morning to reduce disease risk.

Germination Time

• 7–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 35–45 cm between plants.
• 60–75 cm between rows.

Flowering

• Blooms approximately 60–75 days after sowing.
• Produces multiple flowers over several weeks.
• Remove faded flowers to encourage continued blooming.
• Excellent for bouquets and ornamental garden displays.

Fertilization

• Incorporate compost before planting.
• Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active growth.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth instead of flowering.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cooler months for the brightest flower colors.
• Apply organic mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce root-zone temperatures.
• Stake plants if exposed to strong winds.
• Ensure good air circulation to reduce fungal diseases.
• Monitor for aphids, caterpillars, birds feeding on seeds, and powdery mildew.
• Fire Red Sunflower performs beautifully in flower beds, borders, large containers, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens throughout the Gulf.