Quick Overview
Growing sunflowers is a rewarding experience that can lighten up up any garden oroutdoor distance . Thesetowering beauties , known for their vibrant bloom and cheerful disposition , are surprisingly promiscuous to cultivate from seed . Whether you ’re a veteran nurseryman or a novice , this comprehensive pathfinder will provide you with all the knowledge and techniques you want togrow arresting sunflowersthat will bring joyousness to your surroundings .
1. Choosing the Right Seeds
The first stride ingrowing sunflowersis pick out the right seeded player . There arenumerous varietiesof sunflower available , each with its ownunique characteristic . moot the following component when choosing your seed :
2. Soil Preparation
Sunflowers thrive in well - drained , fertile soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . To prepare the grease , till it to a depth of 12 - 18 in and amend it with compost or manure toimprove drainageand fertility .
3. Planting the Seeds
Plant helianthus germ in the spring orearly summertime , when the dirt has warmed up to at least 60 ° F ( 16 ° nose candy ) . Space the seeds 6 - 12 inches aside , depending on the variety anddesired spacing . Plant the seeds 1 - 2inches deepand water them well .
4. Watering
Water sunflowers regularly , especially during live anddry weather . Aim to keep the ground moist but not waterlogged . Allow thetop inchof soil to dry out slightly before irrigate again .
5. Fertilizing
Fertilize sunflowers once a month with abalanced fertilizer . Use a fertilizer that is high in N and phosphorus , such as a 10 - 10 - 10 fertiliser .
6. Support
Assunflowers rise tall , they mayrequire supportto keep them from tumble over . instal bet or treillage near the base of the plant and tie the stem to them as needed .
7. Pest and Disease Control
Sunflowers are generally pest - repellent , but they can be susceptible to sure pests and disease . Monitor your plant regularly and take appropriate measures if any problems arise . usual pests let in aphids , wanderer pinch , and caterpillars . Common disease include powdery mildew , rust fungus , and wilt .
8. Harvesting
Sunflowers are ready to reap when the back of theflower headsturns brown and the come are plump and get on . Cut the prime head from the plants and allow them to dry in a warm , well - ventilated areafor several weeks . Once the seed are wry , remove them from the blossom heads and store them in a cool , teetotal shoes .
A Symphony of Sunflowers in Your Garden
Growing sunflowers by seed is arewarding endeavorthat will bring a touch of sunshine and cheer to your outside space . By follow thesesimple step , you may work avibrant displayof sunflower that will delight you and your visitors for weeks to derive .
What You Need to Learn
Q : How long does it take for sunflowers to grow from seed?A : Sunflowers typicallytake 80 - 120 days to mature from seed to bloom . Q : Can I go sunflower indoors?A : Yes , you canstart sunflowers indoors4 - 6 weeks before the last frost . Q : What is the best time of sidereal day to irrigate sunflowers?A : body of water sunflowers earlyin the sunrise so that the leaf have prison term to dry before nightfall . Q : How often should I deadhead sunflowers?A : Deadhead sunflowers regularlyto encourage raw rosiness . Remove expend blooms by cutting the stem just below the flower head . Q : Can Isave helianthus seedsfor next year?A : Yes , you cansave sunflower seedsfor next class . Allow theflower headsto dry altogether before removing the seed . Store the seeds in a cool , wry topographic point .
