How to Grow August Glory Moulin Rouge
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August Glory Moulin Rouge
Helianthus annuus 'August Glory Moulin Rouge'
flowerAugust Glory Moulin Rouge is a stunning hybrid sunflower variety featuring deep burgundy-red petals with a contrasting golden-yellow center. This cut-flower sunflower grows to medium height and produces long, sturdy stems ideal for floral arrangements. The dramatic coloring and reliable performance make it popular for both home gardens and commercial flower production.
When should you plant August Glory Moulin Rouge in your zone?
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Example August Glory Moulin Rouge timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant August Glory Moulin Rouge
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First August Glory Moulin Rouge blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact August Glory Moulin Rouge dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; best performance in zones 3-9
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Seedling
2-3 weeksEmergence of cotyledons and first true leaves; seedlings are green with fuzzy stems
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent legginess. Thin seedlings if overcrowded to achieve proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid stem elongation and leaf development; plant reaches 1-3 feet tall with multiple leaves
Support stems with stakes if needed, especially in windy locations. Continue regular watering. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Budding
1-2 weeksFlower bud formation at the stem apex; visible button appears at top of plant
Maintain consistent watering and moisture. Increase fertilizer frequency with higher phosphorus for flower development. Stake tall plants securely.
Flowering
2-3 weeksPetals unfurl revealing deep burgundy-red color with golden-yellow disk florets; full bloom stage
Provide consistent water. Deadhead side buds if longer main stem flowers are desired. Flowers typically hold color for 1-2 weeks.
Seed Development
3-4 weeksPetals fade and fall; seed head develops; center darkens and disk becomes dry
Stop watering to allow seed maturation. Leave on plant for wildlife, or cut and dry for seeds. Seeds mature fully in 3-4 weeks.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infested seeds; use pheromone traps; apply spinosad if infestation is severe
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Hand-pick; use row covers for young plants; spinosad spray if needed
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves; apply sulfur or fungicide if severe
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Plant resistant varieties; improve air circulation; apply mancozeb or copper fungicide early
Uses
Cut flowers & arrangements
CulinaryThe striking burgundy and gold coloring makes August Glory Moulin Rouge ideal for floral arrangements, bouquets, and decorative displays. The long, sturdy stems and large flowers are especially valued by florists. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeSunflowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season. The abundant disk florets provide nectar and pollen as valuable food sources. [source]
Dried seeds & bird food
HouseholdMature seed heads can be harvested and dried for use in bird feeders or as edible sunflower seeds for human consumption. They store well throughout winter. [source]
Dried flower displays
CraftHeads can be dried and used in dried floral arrangements and craft projects. The distinctive coloring persists in dried form. [source]
Garden backdrop & screening
HouseholdAt medium height (4-6 feet), these sunflowers create natural screens, backdrops, and windbreaks. They add vertical interest and structure to garden beds. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers when fully open or just starting to open for longest vase life (8-12 days). Cut in early morning with sharp knife. For cut flowers, remove lower leaves and condition stems in water for several hours before arranging. For seeds, allow flowers to mature on plant until backs turn brown and seeds loosen easily; cut heads and hang upside down to dry in warm location.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The deep burgundy-red 'Moulin Rouge' coloring is relatively rare in sunflowers and was developed through selective breeding for ornamental market appeal.
- 🌱 Sunflowers exhibit heliotropism as young plants, tracking the sun's movement from east to west during the day, but mature plants typically face east to attract morning pollinators.
- 🌱 A single mature sunflower can attract dozens of bee species and other pollinators to a garden, making it valuable for biodiversity conservation.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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