Sunflower Seeds — Helianthus annuum Autumn Beauty

A Sunflower Like No Other — Rich Autumn Tones from Gold to Bronze, Burgundy, and Russet

Helianthus annuum 'Autumn Beauty' is one of the most spectacular and versatile sunflowers you can grow — a tall, branching annual that produces a generous succession of large, richly coloured blooms in the full palette of autumn: warm gold, burnt orange, deep bronze, rich burgundy, russet red, and bicolour combinations, all with dark chocolate-brown centres. Unlike single-stemmed sunflowers, 'Autumn Beauty' is a branching variety that produces multiple blooms per plant over a long season, making it outstanding for cutting. The flowers are large and dramatic, and the warm, earthy colour range is simply stunning in the garden and in arrangements. A true cottage garden showstopper that earns its place in any cutting garden

Why Gardeners Love It

• 🌻 Spectacular autumn colour range — large blooms in warm gold, burnt orange, deep bronze, rich burgundy, russet red, and bicolour combinations, all with dark chocolate-brown centres
• 🌿 Branching habit — multiple blooms per plant — unlike single-stemmed sunflowers, 'Autumn Beauty' branches freely and produces a long succession of flowers throughout the season
• ✂️ Outstanding cut flower — large, dramatic blooms on long strong stems with excellent vase life; the warm autumn tones are stunning in arrangements
• 🐝 Loved by pollinators and birds — bees and butterflies flock to the flowers throughout summer, and the seed heads attract birds as the season ends
• 🌱 Easy to grow — direct sow where it is to flower; sunflowers are fast-growing and rewarding with minimal fuss
• 🌿 Long flowering season — blooms from midsummer through to autumn; the branching habit means the display just keeps going

Growing Tips for New Zealand

Sow Helianthus annuum 'Autumn Beauty' direct where it is to flower in spring after the last frost or start in small pots in late winter for earlier blooms — sunflowers dislike root disturbance so handle transplants carefully. Sow 1–2cm deep and thin to 45–60cm apart. 'Autumn Beauty' prefers a sunny, open position with well-drained soil and is quite drought tolerant once established. It performs well across most NZ regions. Taller plants may benefit from staking in exposed positions. Cut flowers when the petals are just opening for the best vase life. Leave some seed heads to mature for the birds — and to collect seed for next season.

What's in the Packet

Each packet contains 10 seeds of Sunflower Autumn Beauty (Helianthus annuum 'Autumn Beauty'), with growing instructions included.