Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Sunflower is an annual, erect, broadleaf plant with a strong taproot, and a lateral spread of surface roots.   

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Benefits

Sunflower is often used in cover cropping mixes to:

  • Increase biodiversity - especially in monocropping systems 

  • Attract pollinators - particularly into orchards

  • Attract insect predators - acting as a "trap crop" (drawing certain harmful insects off a cash crop)

  • Build organic matter

  • Suppress weeds

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​Climatic & Soil Conditions

  • Annual, warm-season broadleaf

  • Suited to varied climatic conditions and soils

  • Relatively drought tolerant

  • Best suited to areas with a rainfall >500mm

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Planting

  • Best planted between October - January

  • Seeding rate is dependant on location & planting method, and on the other plant types it may be combined with