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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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