Helianthus annuus ‘Tiger Eye’ is a striking annual sunflower cultivar known for its manageable size and intense coloration. It features golden-yellow ray petals surrounding a unique, deep red or bronze ring that encircles the dark central disc floret. This compact, multi-stemmed variety produces abundant blooms, making it an excellent choice for borders, containers, or cut flower arrangements. The vivid, bi-color display is highly attractive to beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Siting and Initial Planting Requirements
The ‘Tiger Eye’ sunflower requires full, direct sunlight for a minimum of six to eight hours each day. Adequate solar energy is necessary for robust stem development and the prolific production of its signature large flower heads. Consistent sun exposure is key to maximizing the plant’s blooming potential.
The ideal planting medium should be well-draining, moderately fertile, and enriched with organic material like compost. Sunflowers prefer a soil pH that is neutral to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 or higher. Before sowing, prepare the soil by working a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 5-10-5 blend, into the top six inches of the bed.
Sow seeds directly into the ground after the final risk of frost has passed, typically when the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Planting depth should be approximately one to two inches deep. Once seedlings reach about three inches in height, thin them to a final spacing of 12 to 18 inches apart. This spacing ensures adequate air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases, and allows for proper root system expansion.
Essential Routine Care (Watering and Feeding)
Consistent, deep watering is required to establish a strong root system capable of supporting the large flower heads. After initial germination, reduce watering frequency to one or two times per week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between applications. Provide one to two inches of water per week, delivered slowly at the base of the plant to encourage deep root growth.
Watering requirements increase significantly during the 20-day period immediately before and after the plant begins to flower, when rapid growth occurs. Maintaining soil moisture during this phase prevents wilting and ensures the development of large, healthy blooms. Applying a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the plants helps regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture.
When providing additional nutrients, select a fertilizer low in nitrogen but higher in phosphorus and potassium. Excessive nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of flower production. A liquid fertilizer application can be provided mid-season, specifically at the onset of the budding stage, to boost flowering. Removing spent flower heads, known as deadheading, redirects the plant’s energy from seed production back into creating additional blooms, extending the flowering season.
Managing Pests and Providing Support
The ‘Tiger Eye’ sunflower can be targeted by common garden pests and diseases. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and can be managed by spraying affected areas with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Caterpillars, such as armyworms, may chew on the foliage; if populations are small, they can be controlled through simple hand removal.
Fungal issues like powdery mildew are a risk, especially in humid conditions or when air circulation is poor. Prevention is best achieved by adhering to the recommended spacing and watering the soil directly rather than wetting the foliage. If mildew appears, it can be treated with a fungicide or a solution of baking soda and water applied to the leaf surfaces.
Since some ‘Tiger Eye’ cultivars can reach heights of five to six feet, structural support may be necessary, particularly in locations prone to strong winds. The heavy weight of mature flower heads can cause stems to bend or break. Insert a sturdy stake near the base of the plant early in the season. The stem should be loosely secured to the stake with soft twine or fabric ties to prevent damage while allowing for natural movement.