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Sunflower Holiday seeds - Helianthus annuus

Helianthus annuus Holiday
Sunflower

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A tall annual variety, ideal for cutting, thanks to its large golden yellow flowers with dark brown centres. Its sturdy stems bear several 7 to 15 cm diameter flower heads, offering prolonged flowering from summer to autumn. Valued for its ability to attract pollinators and birds, it is also drought-resistant once well established. It thrives in full sun in light, well-drained soil. Direct sow in open ground once the risk of frost has passed.
Flower size
15 cm
Height at maturity
1.10 m
Exposure
Sun
Germination time (days)
18 days
Sowing method
Direct sowing, Sowing under cover
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Sowing period March to May
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Flowering time July to September
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Description

 

Sowing these tall 'Holiday' Sunflower Seeds will allow you to easily grow this bright and generous variety of Helianthus annuus. With its upright and vigorous habit, it reaches up to 1.10 m and displays large yellow flowers with brown centres measuring 15 cm in diameter, on numerous non-branching stems, making it ideal for cut flowers. This easy-to-grow annual sunflower appreciates sunny exposures, well-drained soil and tolerates drought once well-established. Ideal in open ground as well as in large pots, it will find a place in borders and beds or for decorating your balcony. Its rustic charm and prolonged flowering make it a great decorative feature, provided it is protected from strong winds. 

The tall 'Holiday' sunflower (Helianthus annuus 'Holiday') is an annual variety from the Asteraceae family, developed by the Benary company for cut flower production. Originally from North America, Helianthus annuus was domesticated around 3,000 years ago by indigenous peoples for its oil-rich seeds. It is also known under the synonyms Helianthus jaegeri, Helianthus annuus var. macrocarpus, Helianthus annuus subsp. jaegeri, Helianthus annuus unranked lenticularis. The 'Holiday' cultivar is distinguished by its upright habit, reaching approximately 110 cm in height, with sturdy stems and few branches bearing several flower heads. The inflorescences measure up to 15 cm in diameter and feature golden yellow ligules surrounding a dark brown central disc. Flowering extends from summer to autumn, attracting numerous pollinators thanks to its pollen. The leaves are broad, ovate to heart-shaped, arranged alternately along the thick, hairy stems. The root system is a taproot, with a main root that can penetrate up to 1.5 to 2 metres, giving the plant good drought resistance. The 'Holiday' cultivar offers rapid growth, reaching its mature size in 10 to 12 weeks, and is suitable for cultivation in open ground or large pots, provided it has a sunny exposure and well-drained soil.

In a garden bathed in light, the tall 'Holiday' sunflower creates a vibrant and warm scene, like a sunny brushstroke on a summer canvas. It stands out at the back of a border or as a feature in a flower meadow, where its upright silhouette and eye-catching, large golden flowers bend in the wind. Pair it with the lightness of Cosmos, the height of Verbascum 'Gainsborough or the airy mist of Gypsophila 'Bristol Fairy' to create a moving and poetic scene. In pots, it can be grown alone for a sculptural effect or accompanied by ornamental grasses. 

Before flowering, the plant optimises its growth by following the path of the sun. This phenomenon, called heliotropism, has given rise to some of its common names: Heliotrope, Tournesol, Sunflower, Garden Sun...

Sunflower in the kitchen: The buds, petals and seeds are edible. Add a few petals to a green salad for colour contrast and a nutty flavour. The green buds can be blanched, then tossed in garlic butter. Their flavour is then similar to that of Jerusalem artichoke. The seed kernel can be eaten raw or roasted.

An ecological asset: All summer long, the nectar-rich flowers of Sunflowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. A great way to improve the ecosystem and promote fruit and vegetable production in your kitchen garden. 
The oil-rich seeds are particularly appreciated by birds (Parrots, Tits, Doves, Goldfinches, Siskins, Nuthatches, Chaffinches...). At the end of flowering, harvest them to feed these visitors during winter scarcity.

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Sunflower: sowing, planting, care
Family sheet
by Virginie T. 15 min.
Sunflower: sowing, planting, care
Read article

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time July to September
Inflorescence Flower head
Flower size 15 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Annual
Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.10 m
Spread at maturity 50 cm
Growth rate very fast

Botanical data

Genus

Helianthus

Species

annuus

Cultivar

Holiday

Family

Asteraceae

Other common names

Sunflower

Botanical synonyms

Helianthus jaegeri, Helianthus annuus var. macrocarpus, Helianthus annuus subsp. jaegeri, Helianthus annuus unranked lenticularis

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 24525

Planting and care

You can sow sunflower 'Holiday' from March to May in pots. Use good quality compost sieved on the surface to properly bind the seed to its substrate. Before sowing, lightly firm the compost using a small board. Place 2 seeds 10 cm apart in each pot. Cover the seeds by sprinkling compost or vermiculite on top, lightly firm and water generously with a fine rose. Place your pots in the light, without direct sunlight, at a temperature of 20°C to 25°C. Lower the temperature at night to 17°C to create a beneficial alternation for germination.

Seed germination will take approximately 21 days. Keep the compost moist, but not excessively so, while they grow. 15 days before their final planting out, begin to acclimatise them gradually to a temperature of 15°C.

In late May or early June, the temperature in the garden will be warm enough to plant out your young plants. Choose a location with plenty of sun. Add a good spadeful of compost to each planting hole. Space your plants 45 cm apart.

In May, seeds can be sown directly in their final position. By staggering your sowings, you can extend the flowering period until autumn.

Protect your seedlings from attacks by snails and slugs, which are fond of these young plants. Sowing chives near your sunflowers can help deter aphids.

 

Sowing period

Sowing period March to May
Sowing method Direct sowing, Sowing under cover
Germination time (days) 18 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border, Back of border, Cut flowers, Vegetable garden
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Well-draining, fertile

Planting & care advice

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