How to grow Sunflower
The typical image of a sunflower is a magnificent yellow flower that towers over flower beds and other flowering plants. But there is more to sunflowers than a row of stately blooms in the background. These striking specimens come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors that will fit any landscape. They are easy to grow from seed and will thrive in any sunny location.
Sunflowers (or Helianthus – the correct plant name) is one of the most popular summer flowers. It is native to both North and South America, but this easy-to-grow flower is often cultivated due to is friendly, large flower.
Not just being beautiful to look at, the sunflower is also useful; the seeds grown in the flower’s head are good parrot and bird seed, as well as being tasty for a hamster. The seeds are also home to the oil which many of us cook with.
Sunflowers can be found in two varieties; the dwarf and the larger variety. The larger variety averages a height of 6-10 foot in full sun.
The dwarf variety (named Dwarf Sungold) are easier to manage and grow to an average height of 24 inches.
Growing sunflowers, in general is quite easy. They need little maintenance and when planted out in the Spring, will flower in the summer. Re-appearing year after year they bring great hues of yellow to a sunny garden.
Growing to tall heights, the stems take on a lot of weight, and are therefore top-heavy. Sunflowers need to have a good start to ensure that they grow strong and healthy, ready to take on the job of supporting the flower head for years to come.
How do I grow strong sunflowers?
Ten tips for growing strong sunflowers:
1. Plenty of sun plus some shade.
2. Generous watering.
3. Planting out at the right time. Think about the weather, sunflowers don’t like the cold.
4. Plenty of space. Don’t crowd them. Each sunflower needs a lot of nutrients from the soil, planting several together will just mean each plant will get less nutrients.
5. Staking at the right time. Don’t let a sunflower struggle against the elements.
6. Good compost.
7. No interference. Once planted out, do not move them.
8. To keep them strong year after year continue this kind treatment while the plants are young every year.
9. Attention. Cut off dead leaves, and keep the area weed-free.
10. Do not use any pesticides, grass seed or other chemicals near the growing sunflowers.
A head start
Before you sow or plant any flower ensure you know how to care for it. Know how much attention it needs, the position it needs to thrive, any feeding required etc.
Can you give the plant what it needs to survive and grow into a strong flower?
Sowing the seeds
Sunflower seeds can be picked up very reasonably at all garden centres. The dwarf variety seeds are much smaller, so you will probably get more for your money by buying these. The ideal time to buy would be in the spring, a week or so before you intend to plant them.
If you’re buying the larger, more common variety, try your local pet store. Many sell sunflower seeds in whatever weight you like, you can buy a huge bag for around 60p! This way if your first attempt at growing them doesn’t work to plan you haven’t wasted a lot of money.
If you are growing the seeds in a greenhouse before planting them out you’ll need to sow them sometime in April. Make sure you don’t plant them too far down in the pot, just cover with about an inch of compost/soil.
If you intend to plant straight out in the garden, make sure that the early morning frosts are over, sunflowers will not tolerate the cold.
Early May is a good time, if it is slightly warmer than average for this time of the year, you can plant out a little earlier. If this is your first attempt at growing sunflowers try planting some in a greenhouse and some straight in the ground and see which works best in your garden.
Location
Tall sunflowers need to be planted against a wall or fence post for support. You’ll need to stake the plants was they become more established to save wind and rain damage, but planting against something is a good idea to make the stems stronger to hold the weight of the heavy sunflower heads. You can then tie the stem loosely to the post as it grows bigger for added support.
Make sure you plant the seeds no less that 24 inches apart to avoid crowding.
Sunflowers need sun. To make your sunflowers extra strong, plant them where they can benefit from both. If you’ve a spot in your garden where the sun covers it during the day, and then is shaded in the afternoon this would be perfect.
Try different spots with your seeds and see which works best for your garden.
Soil conditions, weather climates, positions and temperature all differ in gardens, so to make sure you grow the best sunflowers you can, experiment.
In July to September your flowers will be bright and strong. To keep them fresh, keep watering them every night. The air will be humid and the flower will need a drink! Be generous with your water, but try not to drown the plants. If you have a watering can with a rose attachment, sprinkle some water on the actual flower head to get the water in all the right places.
To ensure your sunflowers keep returning stronger and stronger, respond to what they need – a lot of sun, a lot of water, to be staked well and to be left to shine
Things to consider while Growing Sunflower Plants:First you need to consider the location for growing sunflower plants. You must ensure that the particular area gets ample sunlight. Before you begin planting these, consider the amount of sunlight and the direction of the wind. Sunflowers need the full strength of the sun so choose an area that gets steady sunlight for at least 6 hours. Always ensure you plant the sunflowers seeds at least one inch deep into the soil. You must also keep a distance of 6 inches between each seed. Avoid planting sunflowers just before the winter season. If you have to plant them in pots, ensure that you keep these pots on a windowsill that gets plenty of sunlight. Check out the germination of the seed before growing sunflower plants. Once you have purchased the seed packet, you must remember not all seeds are equal. Therefore you can wrap them in a moist paper towel for a few days and check out which seeds germinate first. You can then choose and plant the sprouted seeds. You also need to consider the soil for growing sunflower plants. Experts believe that sunflowers prefer soils that drain well. Soils that contain a lot of mulch also help in growing sunflower plants. Mixing some manure a few days before planting the seeds in the soil will help you grow these with ease. It is said that these plants can be grown in a variety of soils. This non-fussy plant therefore can be grown without worrying too much about the soil required for their growth. Sunflower plants need plenty of water as well. Ensure you water your sunflower plants on a daily basis to prevent them getting withered in the sun. This is also the basic reason why you must use a well-drained soil. Seedlings should be watered deeply for the initial months. This needs to be done so that they develop healthy roots. While growing sunflower plants you may at times need to keep a check on the height of the stems. Sometimes, these plants may grow really tall which would depend upon the variety you have used. Therefore, you might need to tie it up with the help of a string so that the stem does not snap off by a sudden gust of wind. If you are keen of having the tall variety, then plant them next to a fence, which can give it some support as it grows. Always remember while growing sunflower plants that you need to think about other plants in the garden as well. Tall sunflower plants can block the sunlight and the wind for other plants. This can be useful if you have planted varieties that require less sunlight and the shade provided by the sunflowers can be a blessing in disguise. While growing sunflower plants, you may come across the problem of weeds. You will need to be especially careful when these plants are still in their initial stages of growth. Another factor you would need to consider while growing sunflower plants are certain diseases that can harm your plant. Fungi cause certain diseases that can affect sunflower plants to a great extent. Downy mildew is one such disease, which is a kind of fungi that grows beneath the leaves. This can also cause the stem to blacken. Keep a daily check to keep beetles away. These are known to eat into the plant, damaging it in the process. Insects can pose to be a problem while growing sunflower plants. In that case, the most useful insect would be the bee; because they help in the process of cross-pollination. Some of the common insects found in sunflower plants are the sunflower midges, sunflower beetles, sunflower bud moth, gray sunflower seed weevil, sunflower stem weevil etc. Birds are bound to steal the seeds of this plant. Therefore if you wish to protect the seeds, you would need to use some cheesecloth as a protective cover for the flower heads. You would need to check the flower head to know when the harvest would begin. Here, the florets in the center should be shriveled. The heads should be turned to the bottom side. There would also be some lemon yellow color on the backside. Cut the seed and keep some of the stem attached to it. Hang this in a safe place away from insects and also keep it in a ventilated area. Use cheesecloth to cover it so that it can hold seeds that tend to fall down.Growing sunflower plants can be a relaxing and also a very fruitful hobby. Use these tips to grow healthy sunflower plants and watch your backyard transform from a normal garden into an amazingly beautiful haven.
The typical image of a sunflower is a magnificent yellow flower that towers over flower beds and other flowering plants. But there is more to sunflowers than a row of stately blooms in the background. These striking specimens come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors that will fit any landscape. They are easy to grow from seed and will thrive in any sunny location.
Sunflowers (or Helianthus – the correct plant name) is one of the most popular summer flowers. It is native to both North and South America, but this easy-to-grow flower is often cultivated due to is friendly, large flower.
Not just being beautiful to look at, the sunflower is also useful; the seeds grown in the flower’s head are good parrot and bird seed, as well as being tasty for a hamster. The seeds are also home to the oil which many of us cook with.
Sunflowers can be found in two varieties; the dwarf and the larger variety. The larger variety averages a height of 6-10 foot in full sun.
The dwarf variety (named Dwarf Sungold) are easier to manage and grow to an average height of 24 inches.
Growing sunflowers, in general is quite easy. They need little maintenance and when planted out in the Spring, will flower in the summer. Re-appearing year after year they bring great hues of yellow to a sunny garden.
Growing to tall heights, the stems take on a lot of weight, and are therefore top-heavy. Sunflowers need to have a good start to ensure that they grow strong and healthy, ready to take on the job of supporting the flower head for years to come.
How do I grow strong sunflowers?
Ten tips for growing strong sunflowers:
1. Plenty of sun plus some shade.
2. Generous watering.
3. Planting out at the right time. Think about the weather, sunflowers don’t like the cold.
4. Plenty of space. Don’t crowd them. Each sunflower needs a lot of nutrients from the soil, planting several together will just mean each plant will get less nutrients.
5. Staking at the right time. Don’t let a sunflower struggle against the elements.
6. Good compost.
7. No interference. Once planted out, do not move them.
8. To keep them strong year after year continue this kind treatment while the plants are young every year.
9. Attention. Cut off dead leaves, and keep the area weed-free.
10. Do not use any pesticides, grass seed or other chemicals near the growing sunflowers.
A head start
Before you sow or plant any flower ensure you know how to care for it. Know how much attention it needs, the position it needs to thrive, any feeding required etc.
Can you give the plant what it needs to survive and grow into a strong flower?
Sowing the seeds
Sunflower seeds can be picked up very reasonably at all garden centres. The dwarf variety seeds are much smaller, so you will probably get more for your money by buying these. The ideal time to buy would be in the spring, a week or so before you intend to plant them.
If you’re buying the larger, more common variety, try your local pet store. Many sell sunflower seeds in whatever weight you like, you can buy a huge bag for around 60p! This way if your first attempt at growing them doesn’t work to plan you haven’t wasted a lot of money.
If you are growing the seeds in a greenhouse before planting them out you’ll need to sow them sometime in April. Make sure you don’t plant them too far down in the pot, just cover with about an inch of compost/soil.
If you intend to plant straight out in the garden, make sure that the early morning frosts are over, sunflowers will not tolerate the cold.
Early May is a good time, if it is slightly warmer than average for this time of the year, you can plant out a little earlier. If this is your first attempt at growing sunflowers try planting some in a greenhouse and some straight in the ground and see which works best in your garden.
Location
Tall sunflowers need to be planted against a wall or fence post for support. You’ll need to stake the plants was they become more established to save wind and rain damage, but planting against something is a good idea to make the stems stronger to hold the weight of the heavy sunflower heads. You can then tie the stem loosely to the post as it grows bigger for added support.
Make sure you plant the seeds no less that 24 inches apart to avoid crowding.
Sunflowers need sun. To make your sunflowers extra strong, plant them where they can benefit from both. If you’ve a spot in your garden where the sun covers it during the day, and then is shaded in the afternoon this would be perfect.
Try different spots with your seeds and see which works best for your garden.
Soil conditions, weather climates, positions and temperature all differ in gardens, so to make sure you grow the best sunflowers you can, experiment.
In July to September your flowers will be bright and strong. To keep them fresh, keep watering them every night. The air will be humid and the flower will need a drink! Be generous with your water, but try not to drown the plants. If you have a watering can with a rose attachment, sprinkle some water on the actual flower head to get the water in all the right places.
To ensure your sunflowers keep returning stronger and stronger, respond to what they need – a lot of sun, a lot of water, to be staked well and to be left to shine
Things to consider while Growing Sunflower Plants:First you need to consider the location for growing sunflower plants. You must ensure that the particular area gets ample sunlight. Before you begin planting these, consider the amount of sunlight and the direction of the wind. Sunflowers need the full strength of the sun so choose an area that gets steady sunlight for at least 6 hours. Always ensure you plant the sunflowers seeds at least one inch deep into the soil. You must also keep a distance of 6 inches between each seed. Avoid planting sunflowers just before the winter season. If you have to plant them in pots, ensure that you keep these pots on a windowsill that gets plenty of sunlight. Check out the germination of the seed before growing sunflower plants. Once you have purchased the seed packet, you must remember not all seeds are equal. Therefore you can wrap them in a moist paper towel for a few days and check out which seeds germinate first. You can then choose and plant the sprouted seeds. You also need to consider the soil for growing sunflower plants. Experts believe that sunflowers prefer soils that drain well. Soils that contain a lot of mulch also help in growing sunflower plants. Mixing some manure a few days before planting the seeds in the soil will help you grow these with ease. It is said that these plants can be grown in a variety of soils. This non-fussy plant therefore can be grown without worrying too much about the soil required for their growth. Sunflower plants need plenty of water as well. Ensure you water your sunflower plants on a daily basis to prevent them getting withered in the sun. This is also the basic reason why you must use a well-drained soil. Seedlings should be watered deeply for the initial months. This needs to be done so that they develop healthy roots. While growing sunflower plants you may at times need to keep a check on the height of the stems. Sometimes, these plants may grow really tall which would depend upon the variety you have used. Therefore, you might need to tie it up with the help of a string so that the stem does not snap off by a sudden gust of wind. If you are keen of having the tall variety, then plant them next to a fence, which can give it some support as it grows. Always remember while growing sunflower plants that you need to think about other plants in the garden as well. Tall sunflower plants can block the sunlight and the wind for other plants. This can be useful if you have planted varieties that require less sunlight and the shade provided by the sunflowers can be a blessing in disguise. While growing sunflower plants, you may come across the problem of weeds. You will need to be especially careful when these plants are still in their initial stages of growth. Another factor you would need to consider while growing sunflower plants are certain diseases that can harm your plant. Fungi cause certain diseases that can affect sunflower plants to a great extent. Downy mildew is one such disease, which is a kind of fungi that grows beneath the leaves. This can also cause the stem to blacken. Keep a daily check to keep beetles away. These are known to eat into the plant, damaging it in the process. Insects can pose to be a problem while growing sunflower plants. In that case, the most useful insect would be the bee; because they help in the process of cross-pollination. Some of the common insects found in sunflower plants are the sunflower midges, sunflower beetles, sunflower bud moth, gray sunflower seed weevil, sunflower stem weevil etc. Birds are bound to steal the seeds of this plant. Therefore if you wish to protect the seeds, you would need to use some cheesecloth as a protective cover for the flower heads. You would need to check the flower head to know when the harvest would begin. Here, the florets in the center should be shriveled. The heads should be turned to the bottom side. There would also be some lemon yellow color on the backside. Cut the seed and keep some of the stem attached to it. Hang this in a safe place away from insects and also keep it in a ventilated area. Use cheesecloth to cover it so that it can hold seeds that tend to fall down.Growing sunflower plants can be a relaxing and also a very fruitful hobby. Use these tips to grow healthy sunflower plants and watch your backyard transform from a normal garden into an amazingly beautiful haven.
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