‘Ruby’ is a new red F1 Helianthus variety that produces 12-15cm diameter flowers of an intense rich red colour with just a hint of a golden ring in the centre. Thick petals are regularly arranged in several overlapping rows around a dark disc. Flowers are pollen free. The plants grow to a height of about 190cm branching in the upper parts of the stem. This multiple branching habit means that many flowers are produced from the one plant over a long period. Commercial cut-flower growers pinch out the tips of the stems at the height of 60cm to obtain high quality flowers at a commercial level. Plants flower outdoors from June to October and flowers last well over 6 weeks. Leaves are of a healthy green colour, of medium size with a reddish purple petiole and veins. This Helianthus variety is excellent as a cut-flower or as a colourful garden plant. www.sahin.nl E-mail: Pbrigers@sahin.nl