Neil Groom, general manager of Grainseed, based at Eye near Diss, says there has been "significant interest" in grain sunflowers in recent years.

The firm's early-maturing ES Bella variety is the best-selling in the country, and was bred specifically for UK conditions - which are becoming more and more suited to the crop.

“Climate change and increasing temperatures mean that the geographic area suitable for growing sunflowers is expanding in the UK," he said.

"They used to be grown south of a line from the Wash to the Bristol Channel, but now areas to the north and west can be considered.

"I can see sunflowers really flourishing in the UK within five years, and early adopters can try out this great alternative spring crop in 2026."

Neil Groom of Grainseed, based at Eye, near Diss, says climate change could mean more sunflowers grown on East Anglian farms (Image: Grainseed)

Mr Groom said sunflowers are a low-input crop which can be grown on any free-draining soil type. They are typically sown in mid to late April and can be harvested in mid to late September. 

As well as offering a potentially profitable crop, the large yellow flower heads attract pollinators and small birds so are very  good for biodiversity, he added.

"There is an upward trend in demand and sunflowers provide a great break crop as well as brightening up the agricultural landscape,” said Mr Groom.

Grainseed's ES Bella variety is now sold by United Oilseeds, who introduced the first UK sunflower grain pool three years ago.

United Oilseeds managing director James Warner said: "We're a few years into our sunflower marketing pool, and the past couple of seasons brought plenty of successes, along with some valuable lessons.

"We have gained invaluable insights throughout the process and from a grower's perspective, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We strongly encourage all growers to give sunflowers a try."

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