Ballad Sunflower

Ballad is a compact, branching annual sunflower with bright yellow flowers and dark brown centers. Its narrow habit suits sunny containers, flower borders and small cutting gardens. ## Garden Use PanAmerican lists Ballad at 24–30 inches tall and 6–8 inches wide, with 4–5 inch pollen-free flowers. Its grower profile describes an upright habit and notes that plants stay shorter under short days; long summer days can produce taller plants without growth regulators. See the [PanAmerican Ballad profile](https://www.panamseed.com/Products/060000001013425/sunflower-ballad/) for selection details. ## Siting and Season Give Ballad full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It flowers in summer. The [RHS Ballad profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/346194/helianthus-annuus-ballad/details) lists containers, borders and cut flowers as suitable uses, and notes that the flowers attract bees and other insects. ## Maintenance Grow it as a seasonal annual and keep the soil moist but well drained. Remove fading stems when the display is finished.