Desert Rose
Helianthus annuus
This big sister to Sonja has larger flowers and thicker, sturdier stems. Branches are 35-48" and sport 4-6" blooms. May yield as many as 20-25 stems/plant. First sunflower to win an All-America Selections award. Also suitable for year-round greenhouse production. Day-length neutral. Minimal pollen. Branching. AAS Winner.
Harvest
85-95d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
1-10 feet
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Seeds are ovoid and somewhat flattened
Color: Black, Brown/Copper. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Edible
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Edibility: Seeds are used for cooking oil, livestock feed, and as a snack food or garnish. Petals are edible and young flower buds can be steamed like artichokes.
History & Origin
Origin: Western United States
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Poor Soil
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Pollinators, Songbirds, Specialized Bees
- +Edible: Seeds are used for cooking oil, livestock feed, and as a snack food or garnish. Petals are edible and young flower buds can be steamed like artichokes.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Jade Plant
Similar watering and light requirements, creates attractive succulent groupings
Echeveria
Complementary growth habits and identical drought tolerance needs
Aloe Vera
Matches desert conditions and low-water requirements perfectly
Barrel Cactus
Thrives in same arid conditions and provides contrasting textures
Sedum
Ground-covering habit complements upright Desert Rose structure
Lavender
Drought-tolerant with natural pest-repelling properties
Rosemary
Mediterranean herb with similar low-water needs and pest deterrent qualities
Agave
Architectural form creates visual interest while sharing desert growing conditions
Keep Apart
Impatiens
High moisture requirements conflict with Desert Rose's need for dry conditions
Ferns
Prefer humid environments and frequent watering that causes Desert Rose root rot
Hostas
Require shade and consistent moisture, opposite of Desert Rose needs
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, susceptible to root rot
Common Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects
Diseases
Root rot, stem rot, leaf spot