A strong, vigorous annual, up to 4.5m high, with coarse green leaves and large flowers, 30cm or more across, in late summer and early autumn with dark brown centres and yellow ray florets
4-8 metres
0.5-1 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Sow in spring with 60cm between plants, and grow in full sun in any fertile, well-drained, neutral, or preferably calcareous, soil. The flowers attract bees and other insects, and the edible seeds provide food for birds, especially finches
Propagate by seed or division. Divide established clumps every 2-4 years to both increase plants and retain vigour. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
No pruning required
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases