Mahogany and wine
Red sunflowers are cultivated forms in shades of burgundy, wine and mahogany, often with a dark centre. The variety 'Moulin Rouge' is a well-known pollen-free example, and the petals can show a golden tip or a bicolour pattern. Search terms like "blood red" describe the richest forms, but a pure scarlet is not found in sunflowers.
Growing red sunflowers
- Sow in spring or early summer in a sunny, wind-sheltered spot.
- Space plants about 30 to 45 centimetres apart for branching types.
- Water often, because heavy flower heads need steady moisture.
- Feed lightly with a balanced fertiliser.
Colour in the heat
Dark petals absorb more light and can fade or bleach in harsh sun. Picking the stems in the cool of the morning and putting them straight into water prolongs the colour.
Red sunflowers indoors
Burgundy sunflowers look striking with orange dahlias, bronze foliage and dark red roses. They also look good as a rustic autumn display, which falls in March to May in Australia.
Pollen-free cultivars do not drop yellow dust on tabletops, and the petals stay richer.
Sow every two or three weeks through spring for a succession of stems into summer and autumn. Check the seed packet for the expected height, because tall types need a stake and short ones suit pots. Pick the stems early, when the petals have just opened, for the best colour indoors.
Red sunflowers and pets
In the ASPCA plant database, sunflower is flagged as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
