Sunflower Seeds — Helianthus annuum Russian Giants

The Ultimate Statement Sunflower — Towering to 4 Metres with Enormous Golden Blooms

Helianthus annuum 'Russian Giants' is the classic giant sunflower — the one that stops people in their tracks and makes children (and adults) gasp. Growing to an extraordinary 4 metres tall, this iconic variety produces enormous single flower heads in a rich, warm golden-orange with a large deep dark brown centre, held atop thick, sturdy stems with broad, rough-textured leaves. 'Russian Giants' is the definitive tall sunflower — grown for spectacle, for seed production, for feeding birds, and for the sheer joy of watching something so magnificently large grow from a single seed so quickly. It is one of the most rewarding plants you can grow with children — fast-growing, dramatic, and endlessly exciting to watch shoot skyward through the season. Plant it at the back of the border, along a fence line, or in a dedicated sunflower patch and prepare to be amazed and get staking! A true summer icon and a must-grow for any garden.

Why Gardeners Love It

• 🌻 Truly giant — grows to 4 metres tall — one of the tallest sunflower varieties available; a spectacular statement plant that creates an unforgettable display in any garden
• 🌟 Enormous classic golden-orange blooms — large single flower heads in warm golden-orange with a prominent deep dark brown centre; the definitive sunflower look on a grand scale
• 👶 Fantastic to grow with children — fast-growing and dramatic, Russian Giants is one of the most exciting plants to grow with kids; watching a single seed grow taller than the house never gets old
• 🐦 Outstanding for birds and wildlife — the large seed heads are a magnet for birds as the season ends; leave heads to dry on the plant for a natural bird feeder
• 🐝 Loved by pollinators — bees and other beneficial insects flock to the flowers throughout summer
• 🌱 Easy to grow — direct sow where it is to flower; fast-growing and vigorous with minimal fuss
• 🌿 Great for seed saving — the large seed heads produce an abundance of seeds that can be saved for next season, roasted for eating, or left for the birds

Growing Tips for New Zealand

Sow Helianthus annuum 'Russian Giants' direct where it is to flower in spring after the last frost. Sow 2cm deep and thin to 60cm apart — these are big plants that need space. Choose a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained, fertile soil; enrich with compost before planting for best results. At 4 metres, 'Russian Giants' will need staking or a sheltered position to prevent wind damage — plant along a fence or wall for support. Water regularly during dry spells, especially when young. Once established, these are vigorous and largely self-sufficient. Leave the seed heads to dry on the plant at the end of the season for the birds, or harvest and dry indoors for seed saving.

What's in the Packet

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