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27 Sep 20, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

Go to cool/mountain climate zone and check the planting guide at the top of the page.

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25 Aug 20, Josie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Hi! Wondering if it’s too earlie to plant giant Russians , I’m just north of Byron bay in the mountains, nights are still getting below 10 degrees and the soil in my garden is red clay type soil mixed with soil improvers, too cold still?

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26 Aug 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)

I'm sub-tropical and I have seeds germinating now (night temps av around 9-10 (7-14) and day temps around 23-24 (21-28)). Hold off for another week or two and then give it a go. We may have another cold period before winter is finished.

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01 Jul 20, Emma (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi, I was hoping for some planting advice, how many seeds in each amount of soil?! Is it a good time to plant the seeds now in winter nice and deep to get the best results come spring time? Thanks Perth WA

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06 Jul 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Plant seeds 50-60cm apart and rows 60-80cm apart. You can plant two seeds and then reduce to one after germination. If good seeds just one is required each 60-60cm. Don't plant until spring as you need a lot warmer soil than what it is now. Do not plant seeds deeper than what is suggested.

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01 Jun 19, Thushari (Australia - temperate climate)

I had gian Russian sunflowers grown in my garden in Dec. Summer time in Melbourne. It grew nicely. It didn't grow up to 3 m. Only about 1 meyer tall. Big flowers similar to a size of a plate. Again i grew them in Autumn flowering started in late may. Looks like a bit slow considering cool windy weather conditions. I keep them inside ( its in pots) I keep them outdoor only when its Sunny. The name says Russian i assumed it ll grow in.Winter here in Melbourne. But flowering takes a bit longer than I thought. Anyone got good suggestions if I m doing the right thing? One plant I put on the ground it nearly dead due to heavy windy weather. I try to keep room temperature for the plant . Heaters on in my house most of the day. Any ideas most welcome? I grow flowers first time on my life. But really enjoying it. Thanks

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04 Sep 19, TempestSkye (Australia - temperate climate)

If growing sunflowers from seed, they really need to be planted in September/October (in Melbourne) at the latest. I found that Giant Russian Sunflowers are very hungry and very thirsty, so in addition to lots of sunshine and warmth, it needs a lot of nutrient rich soil and a decent amount of water to keep it moist (but not too wet) at all times. Mine grew 2-3m in the first year. The second year I had a volunteer sunflower plant grow where they had been growing the previous year. It sprouted late and I didn't give it much help in terms of fertiliser and watering was less often than I had the first year too. It only grew a metre or so high before it succumbed to autumn chill.

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14 Apr 18, Therese Elizabeth Ries (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Hi I have planted and grown with some success King Sunflowers . When they have finished flowering and the heads start to drop , should I cut off their heads to dry out the seeds for sowing for the next season ?

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16 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)

Let the plant die back a bit before cutting the seed head off.

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20 Apr 18, Carol (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

Watch out for parrots/cockatoos though! Tie a lightweight fabric bag over the head while you wait for the plant to die back and the seeds to dry

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