Soraya

Family: Asteraceae Oilseed and ornamental annual

Warm golden petals unfurl with a radiant, honeyed glow, framing a deep, chocolate-brown center that feels richly textured at every glance.

Soraya’s blooms are bold and upright, with sturdy stems that hold their presence from garden to vase, and its dense seed head promises a satisfying, nutty harvest for seed oil and bird-friendly enjoyment. A standout for pollinators, Soraya brings long-lasting summer color and a dramatic focal point—ideal for borders, back rows, and sunny corners where you want beauty that keeps returning.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Soraya’s edible angle is in the warm, honey-tinged petals and the genuinely nutty seed payoff—great when you want crunch without bitterness. Use the seeds toasted for a dry, snappy texture, and lean on citrus or vinegar to keep the flavor from tipping heavy.

Best Uses

petals as an edible garnish for salads and desserts
cold-press sunflower oil for bright, nutty finishing
toasting seeds for crunchy toppings on grains and slaws

Flavor Profile

honeyed, faintly sweet petal notes nutty, roasted seed flavor potential crisp, dry seed texture

Kitchen Pairings

lemon honey black pepper garlic sea salt vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Helianthus annuus (sunflower) leaves turning yellow or getting spots, and what should I do?

Common problems include downy mildew and Alternaria leaf spot, which show up as yellowing with irregular spots or gray/brown blotches on foliage. Remove and discard the worst leaves, water at the soil line (not overhead), and space plants so air can circulate. If it’s actively spreading, use a labeled fungicide for sunflowers and repeat according to the label at the first signs of spots.

How often should I water Helianthus annuus during the main growing phase?

During the main growth (from when plants are established through heavy leaf/flower development), keep soil consistently moderately moist—about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat and rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and avoid soggy soil because sunflowers can develop root and crown issues in prolonged wet conditions.

How can I tell when my Helianthus annuus is ready to harvest (about 70 days)?

Harvest when the back of the flower head turns yellow to brown and the outer petals are mostly dry and dropped. Seeds should look plump and firm, and you should be able to loosen a test seed from the head easily. Cut the heads with 6–12 inches of stem and dry them in a warm, airy place for best seed quality.