Description
Endless Blooms. All Season Long.™
- The new standard of sunflower offering continuous blooms and up to 12 weeks of color in the garden.
- Increase sales with this premium price point item, that is consumer recognized resulting in sell-through above 90%.
- Season extender, best suited for Sunfinity branded 2.5 qt. and larger containers for landscape use or in larger patio pots.
- Easy to program for spring, summer, or fall flowering utilizing our extensive technical guides.
Features
Growing information
Culture Information
Sunfinity®
Helianthus / Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Vegetative Culture
Product form: Vegetative
The following culture information applies only to vegetative Sunfinity® material.
For seed please scroll down further below and Look for Seed Culture.
Garden Specifications
Garden height: 28–36" (71–91 cm) tall
Garden width: 24–28" (61–71 cm) wide
Exposure: Full Sun
USDA zone: 4–11
AHS zone: 12–1
Propagation of Unrooted Cuttings
Root emergence: 6–8 days
Rooting hormone: Recommended. An overhead heavy spray to the cuttings (penetrating the rooting media) using water-soluble K-IBA at 250–300 ppm 24–48 hours after sticking can hasten rooting.
Bottom heat temperature: 70–74 °F (21–23 °C) for the first two weeks. After roots are well developed, temperatures can be lowered to hold and tone the cuttings.
Misting: Mist schedules vary depending on light and temperature conditions. Apply just enough moisture to rehydrate the cuttings and keep them from wilting. Cuttings should be hydrated and in a non-wilted stage within 24 hours after sticking. Cuttings that continue to wilt heavily after 24 hours will callus unevenly and will be delayed in rooting. CapSil® (spray adjuvant) can be sprayed on the cuttings at a rate of 2–4 oz/100 gal within 1–2 days after sticking to help in rehydration of the cuttings. Misting should be significantly reduced after 3–4 days and after cuttings become fully hydrated. Applying too much mist early on can lead to significant Botrytis infections on vegetative sunflowers.
Recommended tray size: 105-cell tray (30 mm) or larger Propagation timing: 3–3.5 weeks for a 105-cell tray; add more rooting time for significantly larger tray sizes.
Temperature Day: 72–74 °F (22–23 °C) Night: 70–72 °F (21–22 °C)
Lighting
Day extension lighting: Necessary to 14 hours
Light intensity: Provide 200–250 µmol·m−2·s−1 for the first two weeks after sticking or until root development occurs. Light levels can be increased up to 600 µmol·m−2·s−1 as rooting increases and the cutting matures.
Day length response: Facultative long day
Daily light integral (DLI): 4–6 mol·m−2·d−1 for the first two weeks after sticking or until root development occurs. DLI can be increased to greater than 12 mol·m−2·d−1 after root formation.
Media pH: 5.8–6.2
Media EC: SME EC: 1.5–2.1 mS/cm, Press/Squeeze Method EC: 2.3–3.2 mS/cm
Fertilizer: Begin fertilization at 100 ppm nitrogen when roots become visible. Rates can be increased up to 200 ppm nitrogen after roots become well developed. Use primarily Cal-Mag® (calcium nitrate + magnesium nitrate) fertilizers in propagation to prevent unwanted stretch.
Pinching: Not recommended
Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Vegetative Sunfinity® has good vigor and generally will need chemical growth regulation in propagation. To control growth after rooting, sprays of B-Nine® WSG (2,500-3,500 ppm) are usually sufficient. For all sprays listed above, the mist should be off for a minimum of one hour for the PGR to absorb into the leaf tissue. Bonzi® (paclobutrazol) media sprenches at 0.5–1.0 ppm at 2.5 to 3 weeks after sticking can be applied to maintain control of internode growth.
Finishing
Temperature Day: 70–72 °F (21–22 °C)
Temperature Night: 66–68 °F (19–20 °C)
Average daily temperature: 69 °F (20 °C)
Day extension lighting: Beneficial to 14 hours
Light intensity: 800–1,200 µmol·m−2·s−1
Day length response: Facultative long day
Daily light integral (DLI): 14–16 mol·m−2·d−1
Transplanting: Transplant directly into the finished container. Place the rooting media slightly below the level of media in the container. Make sure that the root ball is covered and that the liner is situated in the center of the pot.
Media pH: 5.8–6.2
Media EC: SME EC: 1.5–2.1 mS/cm, PourThru EC: 2.3–3.2 mS/cm
Fertilizer: 200–250 ppm N
Pinching: Optional; pinching can be done as early as at transplant or within 2 weeks of transplant. Pinching delays finish by 7–10 days, but helps to reduce plant height and increase branching.
Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Vegetative Sunfinity® has good vigor and generally will need chemical growth regulation. Sprays of B-Nine® WSG (2,500–5,000 ppm) or Sumagic® (20–30 ppm) can be used to control growth. Bonzi® (paclobutrazol) drench at 1–2 ppm at 3–4 weeks after transplanting; if needed Bonzi® drench at 1–2 ppm to hold size at finish.
Tech tip: For earliest flowering, provide long days, high light levels, and warm temperatures. Preventive fungicide applications for Powdery mildew are recommended, especially in high humidity environments. Palladium® and Heritage® fungicides have all been effective at suppressing pathogens. Insecticides, such as Avid® 0.15 EC, Mainspring® GNL and Flagship® 25WG, are effective.
Moisture level: Media should be allowed to dry between irrigations. Alternate between moisture level 2 and 3. 3 - MOIST: Soil is brown in color, strongly squeezing the soil will extract a few drops of water, and trays are light with no visible bend. 4 - WET: Soil is dark brown but not shiny, no free water is seen at the surface of the soil, when pressed or squeezed water drips easily, and trays are heavy with a visible bend in the middle.
Common pests: Aphids, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, caterpillars
Common diseases: Botrytis, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Thielaviopsis, Powdery mildew
Scheduling
| Size | Crop Time | Plants Per Pot |
|---|---|---|
| 1.25 to 2.5 quart (5.5 to 6.5 inch, trade gallon) | 7–8 weeks | 1 ppp |
| 3.0 quart to 2.0 gallon (7.5 to 10 inch) | 7–8 weeks | 1–2 ppp |
| 3.0 quart to 2.0 gallon (7.5 to 10 inch) | 9–10 weeks | 2–4 ppp |
Estimated finish crop time is from transplant of a 105-cell tray and finished at an average daily temperature (ADT) of 69 °F (20°C).
Example crop schedule for a 2.5 quart
| Weeks From Transplant | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 week | Provide average daily temperatures of 69 °F (20 °C) and DLI levels above 15 mol·m−2·d−1. An optional pinch could occur at transplant. Apply preventative fungicides and insectides. |
| 2 weeks | Sprays of B-Nine® WSG (2,500–5,000 ppm) or Sumagic® (20–30 ppm) can be used to control growth. |
| 3 weeks | Evaluate plants and apply a Bonzi® drench at 1 to 2 ppm to maintain controlled growth. Drop temperature if needed to help control growth. |
| 8 weeks | Finish |
Seed Culture
Product form: Seed
The following culture information applies only to seed-propagated Sunfinity® material.
Garden Specifications
Garden height: 36–48" (90–120 cm) tall
Garden width: 24–28" (60–70 cm) wide
Exposure: Full Sun
USDA zone: 11
AHS zone: 12–1
Product use: Beds and large containers
Germination
Germination time: 5–6 days, with full germination in 10–14 days
Media temperature: 68–72 °F (20–22 °C)
Chamber: Optional
Light: Not required
Seed cover: Cover seed with a thin layer of media or coarse-grade vermiculite. Maintaining an even, consistent seed coverage is key to achieve uniform germination.
Seeds per cell: 1
Moisture level: 4 - WET: Soil is dark brown but not shiny, no free water is seen at the surface of the soil, when pressed or squeezed water drips easily, and trays are heavy with a visible bend in the middle.
Recommended tray size: 128- to 50-cell plug tray, 72-cell recommended
Young Plant Production
Temperature Day: 65–68 °F (18–20 °C)
Temperature Night: 65–68 °F (18–20 °C)
Day extension lighting: Long days; minimum of 14 hours for fastest finish
Light intensity: 700–900 µmol·m−2·s−1
Day length response: Facultative long day
Daily light integral (DLI): 12–16 mol·m−2·d−1
Media pH: 5.5–5.8
Media EC: SME EC: 1.0–1.5 mS/cm or Press/Squeeze Method EC: 1.5-2.25 mS/cm
Fertilizer: 75–125 ppm N
Plant growth regulators (PGRs): A Bonzi® (paclobutrazol) sprench within 48 hrs of sowing is recommended with concentrations of 2–3 ppm for spring programs, and drenches recommended during summer sowings for additional control of vigor. Sprench volumes being 3–5 quarts per 100 sq ft. Foliar B-Nine® WSG spray at 2,500 ppm can be applied 3 weeks after sowing in especially warm propagation conditions for added control.
Plug grow time: 4 weeks in a 72-cell plug tray
Tech tip: If plugs get too stretched during propagation, they can be planted up to the cotyledons along with a preventive fungicide drench to protect the stem. Off-types are common in hybrid seed breeding, for Sunfinity® you may experience 2–3% of the crop exhibiting off-types. These can easily be culled in propagation approximately 3 weeks after sowing by looking for seedlings that are taller than the rest of the tray and lighter green in tone. Direct sowing Sunfinity® is possible however we strongly caution doing this as there can be danger from rodents and other small animals eating the seeds.
Finishing
Temperature Day: 70–75 °F (21–24 °C)
Temperature Night: 65–68 °F (18–20 °C)
Average daily temperature: 68–75 °F (20–24 °C)
Day extension lighting: If Sunfinity® plugs were propagated under long days (>14 hours) for 4 weeks, then finish photoperiod is not critical. If plugs were not propagated under long days then >14 hours or 4-hour night interruption is highly recommended to speed flowering.
Light intensity: 700–900 µmol·m−2·s−1
Day length response: Facultative long day
Daily light integral (DLI): 12–20 mol·m−2·d−1
Media pH: 5.5–6.0
Media EC: SME EC: 1.2–1.75 mS/cm; PourThru: 2.3-3.2 dS/cm
Fertilizer: 150–200 ppm N
Pinching: Required to improve branching and control vigor. After 5–6 nodes develop on the stem, pinch shoot tips leaving 4 nodes. The nodes of Sunfinity® are opposite so a pinch to 4 nodes would leave 8 leaves. Do not pinch too early to avoid issues with uneven branching. This is a hard pinch — similar to how poinsettias are traditionally pinched.
Plant growth regulators (PGRs): Sunfinity® has critical points in it's development where PGR application timing optimizes control which varies with the production season. Refer to the PGR guide on the following pages for more specific recommendations.
Tech tip: Crop time is 2–4 weeks longer if starting with plugs propagated under short days versus long days. For earliest flowering, provide long days, high light levels, and warm temperature. Preventive fungicide applications for Powdery mildew are recommended, especially in high humidity environments. Palladium® and Heritage® fungicides have all been effective at suppressing pathogens. Plants grown outside can attract chewing insects. Preventive insecticides, such as Mainspring® GNL and Flagship® 25WG are effective. Avid® 0.15 EC insecticide is also recommended for spider mite control when grown in warm, dry conditions. Avid® 0.15 EC also has the added benefit of caterpillar and whitefly control.
Moisture level: Media should be allowed to dry between irrigations. Alternate between moisture level 3 and 4. 3 - MOIST: Soil is brown in color, strongly squeezing the soil will extract a few drops of water, and trays are light with no visible bend. 4 - WET: Soil is dark brown but not shiny, no free water is seen at the surface of the soil, when pressed or squeezed water drips easily, and trays are heavy with a visible bend in the middle.
Common pests: Aphids, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, caterpillars
Common diseases: Botrytis, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Powdery mildew
Scheduling
| Size | Crop Time | Plants Per Pot |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 to 3.0 quart (6 to 8 inch, trade gallon) | 7–8 weeks | 1 ppp |
| 1.5 to 2.5 gallon (10 to 12 inch) | 7–8 weeks | 1–2 ppp |
| 3.0 gallon and larger (14 inch and larger) | 7–8 weeks | 2–3 ppp |
Estimated finish crop time is from transplant of a 72-cell tray, propagated under longs days, and finished at an average daily temperature (ADT) of 68 °F (20 °C).
Example crop schedule for a 2.5 quart
| Weeks From Transplant | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 week | Provide ADT of 68 °F (20 °C) and DLI levels above 15 mol·m−2·d−1 |
| 2 weeks | Pinch to 4 nodes to promote branching and control vigor |
| 3 weeks | Evaluate crop for timing of first PGR application. Review PGR Guide on the following pages for specific recommendations for all treatments |
| 6 weeks | Apply preventive systemic fungicide and insecticides for maximum garden performance |
| 8 weeks | Finish |
Frequently asked questions
You can buy Syngenta Flowers' products through authorized distributors and brokers. Visit the Distributors section of our website to find a supplier near you.
No, Syngenta Flowers does not sell directly to consumers or growers. Our products are available through authorized distributors and brokers. Please refer to our Where to Buy page for more information.
You can stay informed by visiting the News section on our website, which features updates on new products, partnerships, and industry recognitions. You can also, sign up for our e-mail newsletters for the latest insights on new varieties, tech tips, and more!
Yes, we offer a Technical Document Library with culture guides, sell sheets, white papers, technical articles, and videos to support growers. We have a Grower Success Guide that serves as a fast and easy reference tool for all Annuals and perennials. And if you still need help, contact your broker rep directly, and they will resolve or direct you to the correct contact.
Grower Success Guide
Look for our flowers in garden centers across the country. Many of our seeds are available to consumers from seed packet companies online.
Growers, retailers, agencies, and brokers - can access images through the Trinity Image Library. The library link is conveniently located in the footer of every page.
Yes, during transport, plants experience a lot of stress and when plants are stressed they can release ethylene. Higher temperatures, enclosed spaces, and damage to the plants increase the ethylene concentrations in the shipping environment.
Resources
Protect your Ethylene-Sensitive Crops
All our product catalogs are available digitally on our website's catalog page. While we maintain limited printed versions, we primarily offer digital catalogs to support environmental sustainability.
For the most current product information, we recommend checking our website directly as product details may change more frequently than catalog updates.
You can find our videos across multiple platforms:
- YouTube: Subscribe to our Syngenta Flowers channel for growing tips, product showcases, and educational content
- Instagram: Follow us for quick video updates and stories
- LinkedIn: Connect with us for professional insights and industry news
- Document Library: Access our technical videos and product demonstrations
For the most comprehensive video collection, visit our YouTube channel.