How to Grow Sunflowers in Your Flower Garden
Knowing how to grow sunflowers is a great way to enjoy warm-weather gardening. There is nothing that can be more summery than the cheerful and bright flowers of sunflowers.
We’ll cover the basics of growing sunflowers to make a spectacular summer garden.
Sunflowers are heliotropic plants, with the majority maturing in 90 to 100 days. In addition to the beautiful blooms, the flowers are also stunning. Healthy oil and seeds The sunflowers in your garden attract pollinators as well as bird-killing insects.
What are heliotropic plants? These are plants that have flowers or leaves that follow the path between the east and west of the sun. Other flowers that are heliotropic include daisies, poppies as well as marigolds. The experts believe this could be a means for flowers to improve pollination as well as seed development.
Here are a few of our most-loved cultivars for all kinds of gardens and requirements:
- Russian Mammoth. The kind we’re acquainted with. This variety has a peak of over 12 feet. Russian Mammoths are excellent when you’re looking to get seeds to make snacks.
- Autumn Beauty. This flower has the appearance of a rainbow (red, yellow, red, and Burgundy) that grows on branches. The stunning display of multi-colored flowers is a preferred backdrop for smaller blooms.
- Teddy Bear. Ideal for small container gardens and pots, this small cultivar will produce golden flowers perfect to use in cutting displays.
- Zohar. Zohar is a hybrid plant that is among the sunflowers that are pollen-free and can plant in your tiny garden. This is a wonderful choice when you’re looking for varieties that last for a long time for your flower bouquets.
- Elf. The elf sunflower is the most compact variety available. This plant is an excellent addition to your garden if you wish your children to be able to enjoy sunflowers too.
Where to Plant Sunflowers
The first thing you should be aware of when it comes to growing sunflowers is the fact that they are worshippers of the sun. Find a place in which there are at least 8 hours of continuous sunlight.
Sunflowers do not have a preference when it comes to soil. However, they do require good drainage, as well as loosely drained soil, which can help the taproots to stretch long. If you’re thinking of growing the plants in beds, make sure you till the soil until it is 2 feet deep.
The plant can thrive in soil that is slightly acidic and ranges from 6.0 to 7.5 pH. Make sure the soil is fertile with organic compost, as sunflowers are high-feeders.
If you can, locate an area that is protected from the elements to shield the flowers from powerful winds, particularly those that feature large and heavy flowers.
TIP: Be aware of how tall sunflowers develop in relation to different plants you have in your yard. They are able to shade them when the sunflower plants have matured.
When to Plant Sunflowers
Plant sunflowers after all dangers of spring frost are gone. It’s better to wait until the soil has begun to get warm to at least 60 degrees F. In this condition, the seeds are more likely to sprout.
It is also possible to begin germinating seeds indoors four weeks after the first frost. This will be ideal for transplanting them into the soil in the event that the temperature of the soil is suitable.
How to Plant Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds must be planted at least 3 inches deep and at least 6 inches apart. The ideal time to plant is once the frost risk is passed.
After sowing the seeds cover them with a light layer of, making sure to water them thoroughly for a few days until the first growths begin to appear. After they have grown to 6 inches in height, plant them in a tin pot to create a 2′ distance between them.
Tips: For short varieties, allow more space for growth since these cultivars tend to branch out. But for low-growing varieties such as Zohar and Elf, You can place them near one the other.
How to Care for the Sunflower Plant
As a plant that grows in summer, sunflowers are drought-resistant and require little attention. But, here are some tips on care that you must follow when growing the sunflowers:
- After the plant has been established, it is important to water the plant but only occasionally. A once-a-week watering deep will suffice unless the temperatures are extreme.
- Don’t over-fertilize. This can lead to fragile stems in the fall season.
- If you are required to use organic fertilizers in a way that is not a side-dressing or dilute with water before applying.
- Install a mulch of three inches to help the soil hold the moisture.
- If you opt to plant taller varieties using stakes, it will assist in support of the large flowers.
- The majority time, sunflowers don’t get targeted by insects. If you notice that powdery or downy mildews develop, treat them using antifungal soap.
- When you plant sunflowers to produce seeds, cover them with garden fleece made of poly spun. This allows the plant to take in the sun and air while preventing insects and birds from eating the seeds.
