Quick facts
| Arabic name | دوار الشمس (عباد الشمس) |
|---|---|
| English name | Sunflower |
| Scientific name | Helianthus annuus |
| Family | Daisy family (Asteraceae) |
| Plant type | Annual flowering plant |
| Height | 1 to 3 m |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
February to March
Harvest time
May to June
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A tall rough stem, big heart-shaped leaves and a large yellow flower head with a brown center full of seeds.
Where it grows
Grown in northern farms and home gardens.
Soil
Grows in many soils and handles medium salt.
Water and irrigation
Moderate watering. It handles short dry spells.
Climate and light
Likes full sun and heat.
Propagation
By seed.
Benefits and uses
- Seeds are roasted and eaten
- Cooking oil is made from it
- Flowers attract bees and brighten gardens
- Great for teaching kids to garden
Drawbacks
- Birds eat the seeds
- Tall stems break in wind
- Uses up soil nutrients
Important notes
Tie tall plants to a stake in windy places.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Helianthus annuus
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Helianthus annuus
- Wikipedia: Common sunflower
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)