Italian White

Sunflower

70d to harvest

Warm, luminous petals—creamy Italian White with a soft, buttery glow—open to bold, sun-catching faces that seem to hold the light. The centers are richly textured and inviting, with a sturdy, upright presence that makes a striking statement in beds and borders. Grow Italian White for its long, showy bloom span and pollinator magnetism—ideal for fresh garden color and abundant backyard wildlife visits.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 8th
Harvest Begins	Jul 17th
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

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)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Stowell's Evergreen Corn

Magellan Coral Zinnia

Genovese Red Freddy Basil

Piccolino Basil Basil

State Fair Zinnia

Sweet Corn 5 Corn

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Helianthus annuus (Italian white) and how do I manage it?

Watch for downy mildew and rust, which show up as yellowing leaf patches or orange-brown pustules that spread quickly in humid weather. Remove and discard badly infected leaves early, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid overhead watering so foliage stays dry. If you see rapid spread, apply a labeled fungicide for sunflower rust/downy mildew and repeat according to the label timing.

How often should I water Italian white sunflower during its main growing phase?

During the active growth and bud-to-bloom period, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total, adjusted for heat and wind. Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry, because shallow watering encourages shallow roots. Inconsistent watering around flowering can lead to smaller heads and uneven filling.