Helianthus annuus 'Holiday' – Cheerful sunflower for borders and cut flowers

Helianthus annuus 'Holiday' is a vigorous and colorful annual sunflower that enriches gardens, borders, and cutting gardens with its large, bright yellow flowers with a striking dark brown center. This selection was specially developed for cut flowers and ornamental plantings, thanks to its sturdy stems and long flowering period.

'Holiday' is ideal for amateur gardeners and florists looking for a visible, easy-care, and bee-friendly sunflower that offers both ornamental value and practicality.

Characteristics of Helianthus annuus 'Holiday'

This sunflower combines strength, aesthetics, and versatility. Its key features are:

• Large flowers with a dark brown heart – a classic sunflower colour that stands out in borders, cut flower gardens and bouquets

• Sturdy, tall stems – ideal for cut flowers and long-lasting vase life

• Multiple flowers per plant – profuse flowering during the summer months

• Pollen-rich flowers – attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators

• Single to lightly branched stems – suitable for both ornamental plantings and cutting gardens

Thanks to these properties, 'Holiday' offers rich ornamental value and ecological benefits, making it a versatile choice for various applications.

Use and application

Helianthus annuus 'Holiday' is suitable for several applications:

• Cut flowers – the large flowers and sturdy stems make the plant ideal for bouquets and flower arrangements

• Borders and flowerbeds – tall plants provide structure and colour accents to summer and autumn gardens

• Pick-a-Pick Gardens – perfect for hobby gardeners who want to harvest long-lasting, decorative flowers

• Bee-friendly gardens – flowers attract pollinators and contribute to biodiversity

Its bright yellow color and high flower production also make 'Holiday' excellent for combining with other summer bloomers such as asters, cosmos, and rudbeckia, creating a harmonious garden look.

Growth habit and care

Helianthus annuus 'Holiday' is a sun-loving annual that grows best in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. The plant develops sturdy stems and requires regular watering during dry spells.

Care tips

• Sow indoors before the last frost or directly outdoors after the last frost

• Planting distance: approximately 50–60 cm for optimal air circulation and sturdy stems

• Support may be necessary for windy or very tall plants

• Regular watering and fertilizing promotes healthy growth and long-lasting flowering

• Remove wilted flowers to encourage new blooms

With proper care, 'Holiday' offers a long flowering period from mid-summer to early autumn.

Features at a glance

• Latin name: Helianthus annuus 'Holiday'

• Type: Annual sunflower

• Color: Bright yellow with dark brown heart

• Flower shape: Large, daisy-like flower

• Plant structure: Tall, sturdy stems, single to lightly branched

• Flowering: Summer to early autumn

• Location: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, nutritious

• Application: Borders, cut flowers, cut flower gardens, bee-friendly gardens

• Ecological: Pollen-rich flowers, attractive to pollinators

Why choose Helianthus annuus 'Holiday'?

This selection combines ornamental value, robustness, and ecological benefits. With 'Holiday' you benefit from:

• Large, bright yellow flowers with a striking dark brown heart

• Tall, sturdy stems suitable for cut flowers

• Multiple flowers per plant for a rich ornamental value

• Pollen-rich flowers that attract bees and other pollinators

• Versatile applications in borders, cutting gardens and cut flower production

This makes Helianthus annuus 'Holiday' an ideal choice for gardeners, hobby growers, and florists who want to harvest and use striking, bee-friendly sunflowers.