Sunflower 'Astra Rose' - SeedsHelianthus annuus

Sow early spring to early summer outdoors where they are to flower. Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow 12mm (½in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Germination usually takes around 21 days. The seed can also be sown indoors in early spring for earlier flowers. Sow the seed individually in 7.5cm (3in) pots. Germination takes 1-2 weeks at 20C (70F).

When large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart. For indoor sowing, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost has gone.

Protect seedlings from slugs and snails. Prefers a well drained soil in full sun. Feed and water sunflower plants regularly. Stake sunflower stems with tall canes to prevent wind damage.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.

Thompson & Morgan strives to ensure that all its plants are delivered to you in the perfect condition for planting. While the majority of our nursery plants cope well with slight delays in intransit, sadly, the time it takes to deliver to certain locations in the UK means that we can't guarantee this for some of our smaller plug products and tender bedding and vegetable lines, which do not respond well to the extra journey time. So regretfully while we offer the majority of our live plant offering nationwide, we are unable to ship plugs, begging plants and tender vegetable plants to the following areas: HS, IV41-IV49, IV51, IV55-56, KW15-KW17, PA34, PA41-48, PA60-PA78, PA80, PH40-PH44, TR21-TR24, ZE1-ZE3