Thompson and Morgan Sunflower 'Astra Rose' Seeds - Pink

Thompson & Morgan

Add a touch of vintage charm to your garden with Sunflower 'Astra Rose'. This stunning hardy annual variety boasts unique semi-double flowers, featuring slender ray florets that gracefully unfurl from a fluffy chocolate centre. The petals begin as a soft cream, gradually transforming into delicate shades of apricot and pink, creating a beautiful, subtle palette perfect for cottage garden borders. As a multi-branching sunflower, 'Astra Rose' produces an abundance of blooms over an extended season, significantly longer than single-stem varieties. Regular dead-heading will encourage continuous flowering, ensuring a long-lasting display. How to Grow: - Sow seeds outdoors in early spring to early summer where they are to flower. Prepare the soil well, raking it to a fine tilth before sowing. - Sow seeds 12mm deep in rows spaced 30cm apart. Germination typically occurs within 21 days. - Alternatively, sow seeds indoors in early spring using 7.5cm pots for earlier blooms. Germination takes 1-2 weeks at 20°C. - Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 30cm apart. - Gradually acclimatise indoor-sown seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting out after the risk of frost has passed. - Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails. - Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny location. - Feed and water plants regularly. - Stake taller stems with canes to protect them from wind damage. Images are for illustrative purposes only and show expected results upon maturity. Actual plant growth and appearance may vary depending on specific growing conditions and seasonality. Decorative pots are not included.