Soraya

Sunflower

70d to harvest

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.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Mar 6th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 6th
Harvest Begins	May 15th
Harvest Ends	Nov 26th

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

Recommended Companions

African Marigold Marigold

Zinnia Zinnia

Jewel Mix Nasturtium

Lemon Gem Marigold

Jewel Of Africa Nasturtium

Candy Cane Mix Zinnia

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 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.