Your guide to sunflower season

With bold petals and oversized floral faces, sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are true botanical icons.  Thriving in well-drained soil and full sunlight, they can reach towering heights, making them as impressive in the garden as they are in a summer display in a vase. 

Lincolnshire-based M&S grower Matthew Naylor cultivates our canary yellow sunflowers that you’ll see in store. The Naylor family has farmed in South Lincolnshire for generations, continually modernising their methods with nature and sustainability at heart. “We’ve invested heavily in renewable energy,” says Matthew, who powers his farm with solar panels and uses recycled rainwater to nourish his flowers.

The Naylor farm is LEAF Marque certified, meaning its environmental performance is independently audited every year. But sustainability isn’t the only focus – Matthew also advocates for diversity in agriculture. “We work with large organisations to tackle racism and homophobia,” he says. Beautiful, long-lasting sunflowers grown with care for communities and the environment. Now that’s something to smile about.