Pastiche Sunflowers are a favored choice for gardeners due to their striking visual display. This variety stands out with its distinctive blend of colors, including creamy yellow, primrose, lemon, gold, orange, mahogany, and deep burgundy hues. The name “Pastiche” reflects this captivating, artistic color palette, adding a vibrant focal point to any garden.
Understanding Pastiche Sunflowers
Pastiche Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus ‘Pastiche’) are annual plants known for their multi-toned petals and often darker centers, where colors blend seamlessly across each bloom. The blossoms typically measure 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) across. These plants generally reach a height of 4 to 7 feet (1.2-2 meters). Their multi-branching growth habit allows for numerous blooms on a single plant throughout the growing season. Many varieties are also pollen-free, a desirable trait for cut flowers as it prevents pollen mess.
Planting Pastiche Sunflowers
Plant Pastiche Sunflowers after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures reach 50°F (10°C) or warmer, typically from April to mid-June. Choose a location that receives full sun. They thrive in well-draining, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
For direct sowing, plant Pastiche Sunflower seeds 1/2 to 1.5 inches deep, spacing them 2 to 6 inches apart. Once established, thin seedlings to a final spacing of 12 inches to 1.5 feet. Seeds can also be started indoors about four weeks before the last expected frost, though direct sowing is generally recommended.
Caring for Pastiche Sunflowers
Once established, Pastiche Sunflowers benefit from deep, infrequent watering, typically about one inch per week, especially during dry periods. Provide adequate moisture during the 20 days leading up to and following the flowering stage. Young seedlings require more frequent, daily watering until their root systems are developed.
Pastiche Sunflowers are heavy feeders. If soil testing indicates deficiencies, apply a balanced NPK fertilizer. Nitrogen promotes leaf development, phosphorus supports root and flower production, and potassium contributes to overall plant strength. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to stem weakness. A split application, with half the recommended nitrogen at planting and the remainder later in the growing season, can be beneficial.
Pastiche Sunflowers can encounter pests and diseases. Young plants may need protection from slugs and snails.
- Common pests include aphids, leaf beetles, spider mites, cutworms, and sunflower moths.
- Diseases to monitor for include powdery mildew, rust, root and stem rot, and Phoma black stem.
Good garden hygiene, such as cleaning up plant residue and practicing crop rotation, can help prevent issues. Taller varieties may require staking for support against strong winds.
Harvesting and Enjoying Pastiche Sunflowers
For fresh bouquets, harvest Pastiche Sunflowers in the early morning as petals begin to lift but before disk flowers fully open. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, ideally above a leaf node on branching varieties to encourage further blooms. Remove any leaves that would fall below the waterline in the vase to keep the water clean. Place cut stems into water immediately to prevent wilting.
To collect seeds, allow the sunflower head to mature fully on the plant until the back turns brown or yellow and the seeds appear plump. Cut the mature head and hang it in a dry, well-ventilated area to dry before extracting the seeds.