Sunflower Ruby Eclipse - Care Sheet

Helianthus annuus ‘Ruby Eclipse’
Updated 2026-03-10 22:15 UTC

Overview

Sunflower Ruby Eclipse is a striking bicolor garden sunflower with ruby-to-burgundy petals brushed with creamy tips and a dark center. A branching cultivar of the common sunflower, it produces multiple medium-sized blooms over a long season, making it ideal for cutting gardens, pollinator patches, and statement container plantings. Like most sunflowers, it’s an annual that thrives in full sun, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil. Its care is straightforward, making it a friendly choice for beginners while still rewarding experienced growers with abundant, dramatic flowers.

Quick Facts

Scientific name Helianthus annuus ‘Ruby Eclipse’
Common name Sunflower Ruby Eclipse
Difficulty Beginner
Pet‑safe? Yes — common sunflower is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses
Light Full sun; 6–8+ hours of direct light daily
Water Even moisture while establishing; about 2.5 cm (1 in) per week once established
Humidity No special needs; typical outdoor humidity is fine
Temperature Best growth at 18–29°C (65–85°F); frost sensitive
Soil Well-drained, moderately fertile soil, pH ~6.0–7.5
Fertilizer Light feeding; avoid high nitrogen to prevent lanky growth
Repotting Annual; not repotted in-ground. For containers, up-pot seedlings once into final pot.
Propagation By seed; direct sow after last frost or start indoors 2–3 weeks early

Light

Give Ruby Eclipse abundant, direct sun. Aim for a minimum of 6 hours daily, though 8 or more encourages sturdier stems and abundant blooms. Insufficient sun leads to leggy plants and fewer flowers. In hot climates, all-day sun is still appropriate; mulch and regular watering help plants handle peak afternoon heat.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) as seeds germinate and seedlings establish. Once plants are growing strongly, water deeply but less often to encourage deep roots: