Wild native sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are unrivaled in beauty when they bloom in late summer and fall, and they are easy to grow in the home garden or landscape.

Sow seeds directly into the soil now that danger of frost is past, or transplant seedlings into the garden for earlier blossoms this summer.

Sunflowers prefer at least six to eight hours of sun per day but are adaptable to a wide range of soil types. The species and some cultivated varieties will grow to as much as 10 feet tall, so they are generally most suitable for the edge of a garden, the back of a landscape, an area in front of a fence, or something similar. If garden space is limited, select a variety known to produce shorter plants.

In addition to size, cultivated varieties of sunflower range in flower color and their desirability for producing prettier flowers versus bigger and better-tasting seeds. All of the varieties produce both pretty flowers and edible seeds, however, and the birds may certainly enjoy the seeds if they are less than preferable to the gardener.

The true wild native sunflower is bright yellow, but some varieties can be cultivated in shades of yellow, red, bronze, orange and white.

For colors, the true wild native sunflower is bright yellow, and cultivated varieties range in shades of yellow, red, bronze, orange and off-white. In some varieties, color may also change as blossoms mature.

If sowing seeds directly, plant them 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches deep into the soil. The distance between seeds depends on the variety of sunflower planted but 12 to 18 inches apart is a good spacing for the species and for taller varieties.

For continuous blooms into the fall, plant more seeds about two weeks after the first crop. Additional plantings can be made as long as time is given for the plants to mature before fall frosts, generally 55-75 days.

Sunflowers are very drought tolerant but will generally produce larger flowers if supplemental water is applied over extended dry periods. Fertilization is rarely needed, and soil nutrient levels should be confirmed through a soil test prior to adding nutrients.

Wild native sunflowers grew abundantly on the prairie and were common in what is now Kansas and Nebraska. Native Americans used the sunflowers and sunflower seeds for food, dye, medicine and oil (used in body painting and pottery).

Some early settlers were unappreciative of the plant, however, and the wild native sunflower was declared a noxious weed in 1895. Other settlers considered the sunflower a symbol of beauty, and in 1903, the plant became the official state flower.

— Jennifer Smith is a former horticulture extension agent for K-State Research and Extension and horticulturist for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. She is the host of “The Garden Show” and has been a gardener since childhood. Send your gardening questions and feedback to features@ljworld.com.