How to Grow August Glory
Wikimedia Commons
August Glory
Helianthus annuus 'August Glory'
flowerAugust Glory is a stunning annual sunflower cultivar known for its deep burgundy-red petals with golden-yellow centers and tall, sturdy stems reaching 5-6 feet. This variety blooms prolifically in late summer and is excellent for cutting gardens and pollinator attraction. The dramatic color makes it a standout choice for ornamental displays and floral arrangements.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant August Glory in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example August Glory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant August Glory
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First August Glory blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact August Glory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; performs best in zones 4-9 with full sun and moderate summer heat
Sign up free to see if August Glory grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my August Glory timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksCotyledons emerge within 7-10 days; rapid growth with true leaves appearing quickly
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves develop.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops thick stem and multiple large leaves; height increases rapidly to 2-3 feet
Stake or support tall varieties early to prevent wind damage. Reduce watering frequency as plant matures. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips; bud becomes increasingly visible and elongated
Maintain consistent watering during bud development. Increase phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote flowering. Remove any secondary buds for larger main flower.
Flowering
2-4 weeks per bloom, successive blooms through late summerDistinctive deep burgundy petals unfurl around golden-yellow center disk; full blooms last 2-3 weeks per flower
Continue watering at soil level to avoid disease. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms if plant produces side shoots. Cut flowers in early morning for arrangements.
Seed Production
3-4 weeksPetals drop; seed head browns and hardens; seeds develop and ripen
Allow heads to dry on stem if saving seeds. Leave some seed heads for wildlife; cover with netting if birds are problematic. Seeds are mature when head droops naturally.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick beetles early morning; use floating row covers on seedlings; spinosad spray for heavy infestations
-
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected foliage; apply sulfur fungicide if needed
-
Remove affected leaves; ensure good drainage and air flow; apply copper fungicide; choose resistant varieties
-
Spray strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
-
and
Install tall fencing (6+ feet for deer); use repellent sprays; plant in groups to deter browsing
Uses
Edible seeds and oil
CulinarySunflower seeds can be roasted and eaten as a nutritious snack rich in selenium, vitamin E, and linoleic acid. Seeds are also processed into sunflower oil, a widely used cooking and salad oil. [source]
Ornamental cut flowers
HouseholdAugust Glory's dramatic deep burgundy and gold blooms make it an exceptional choice for floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, and dramatic garden displays. The tall stems and large flowers are ideal for professional florists. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeSunflowers are excellent nectar and pollen sources for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The seeds also provide food for birds and wildlife throughout fall and winter. [source]
Floral drying and arrangements
CraftThe sturdy stems and colorful flowers dry beautifully for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. Dried sunflowers add rustic elegance to home décor. [source]
Traditional herbal uses
MedicinalSunflower has a long history in traditional medicine for treating inflammation and supporting immune health. Petals and seeds have been used in herbal tea formulations. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers when center disk is still slightly yellow and outer petals are fully unfurled, preferably in early morning for maximum vase life (typically 8-10 days). For seed saving, allow flower heads to fully dry on the stem, then cut and further dry indoors in a warm, airy location before harvesting seeds. Seeds are ready when they detach easily from the head.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 August Glory sunflowers exhibit heliotropism (sun-tracking behavior) in their youth, with buds and young flowers following the sun from east to west throughout the day, then returning to face east at night.
- 🌱 Sunflower seeds spiral in a Fibonacci sequence pattern—a mathematical phenomenon seen throughout nature—making them a perfect example of sacred geometry in botany.
- 🌱 The Inca civilization revered sunflowers as symbols of the sun god and used them extensively in religious ceremonies; Spanish conquistadors brought them to Europe in the 16th century.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized August Glory planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start August Glory seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my August Glory timeline →