Growing Sunflowers: When And How To Grow This Delightful Flower In Your Garden
No flower says summer like sunflowers do. Explore the ins and outs of planting this bright yellow flower. Believe it or not, you can grow this breezy bloomer in a snap.
With vibrant blooms that survive all summer long, sunflowers are resistant to pests, are tolerant to heat, and can lure birds and pollinators to your garden. They make wonderful cut flowers, and you can also extract their oil and seeds and utilize them as a source of food for people and birds. Check out the guide below to learn everything you need to know about growing and harvesting sunflowers.
Pick a spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight.
First and foremost, you need to look for a sunny spot. These sun-worshiping blooms grow best in spots that receive 6 to 8 hours of proper sunlight every day. Sunflowers require warm and long summers to bloom well. Pick a spot with well-draining soil. Make sure the spot does not accumulate water after showers. Typically, sunflowers are not picky about soil, but if you want the best blooms, the soil should not be too compacted.
How much time do they take to bloom?
Sunflowers are fairly fast-growing blooms, and most sunflower varieties require 80 to 95 days to mature. The largest varieties of sunflowers grow over 16 feet tall, while the smaller varieties rarely grow taller than a foot.
When should you plant sunflowers?
It is best if you sow sunflower seeds directly into the soil (or in containers) after the threat of spring frost passes away. Sow the seeds anytime after the soil has warmed up to a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F). The perfect time would be sometime between March and May, depending on your location.
How to sow sunflower seeds
Sow the seeds in a pit with a depth of not more than an inch and maintain a gap of about 6 inches between the seeds. Thin the seedlings after the blooms grow 6 inches tall. To enjoy continuous blooms, keep sowing seeds in a new row after every 2 or 3 weeks.
Watering requirements
When your plant is small, water it only around the roots, nearly 3 to 4 inches from the plant. To offer protection to the plant, put slug or snail bait around its stem. After your plant is established, you need to water it deeply but not frequently to boost deep rooting. Water your plants once a week, unless the weather is very arid or hot.
You will find many varieties of sunflowers, ranging from giants standing 14 feet tall to dwarfs that are barely a foot tall. Pick whichever type you like the most.
