Sunflower Plant: How To Plant, Grow And Care.

Sunflower: Some Interesting Facts

1. Sunflowers are native to North America and Mexico but now sunflowers are popular among gardeners and farmers across the world. Today Ukraine is the largest producer of sunflowers.
2. Sunflowers are nocturnal plants, that means that they grow more during night.
3. Each sunflower is actually thousands of small flowers combined in one large bloom.
4. Sunflowers can grow up to huge heights, largest sunflowers are known to grow up to the height of 30 feet.
5. Sunflower’s bloom tracks the sun throughout the day known as heliotropism, due to this quality they are named sunflower. Sunflower genus is Helianthus which is a Greek word made up of combination of two words Helios (Sun) and Anthos (Flower), hence the name sunflower.
6. Sunflowers symbolizes warmth and happiness.

Sunflowers: Some Frequently Asked Questions?

When to Sow Sunflower Seeds?

Sow the sunflowers seeds when there is no danger of frost and minimum temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 16 degrees Celsius. Hence late spring season is best time to sow the sunflower seeds.

How long do sunflower seeds take to germinate?

Sunflower seeds germinates in 7 to 10 days in favorable conditions and weather.

How long does sunflower take to grow?

Seed grown sunflowers starts to bloom in 80-90 days.

Can sunflowers grow in shade?

Sunflowers needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight to grow properly.’

Does Sunflowers attract bees and butterflies?

Yes, sunflowers attract bees and butterflies to your garden. This is good for overall health of your garden as bees and butterflies are good pollinators.

Sunflower: Choosing the Right Variety

Before you begin planting sunflowers, it’s important to choose the right variety for your garden. There are different types of sunflowers, ranging from dwarf varieties that are perfect for small spaces, pots and containers, to giant varieties that can reach heights of 10 feet or more. Consider the size of your garden and the amount of sunlight it receives to determine the best variety for you.

Sunflower: dwarf varieties

Dwarf varieties of sunflower are good for growing in pots and containers. some famous dwarf varieties of sunflower are Teddy Bear, Sunny Smile, Sundance Kid, Sun bright Supreme, Topolino etc. Dwarf varieties are known to grow up to the height of 16″ tall and can be grown in 12″-24″ pots or containers.

Sunflower: Giant varieties

Giant varieties of sunflowers can be grown as ornamental plants as hedge or border plants. Giant sunflower varieties can grow up to height of 10-12 feet tall. some famous giant varieties of sunflower are Kong sunflower, Sunzilla, Mammoth Sunflower, Mongolian Giant etc.

Sunflower: Planting Sunflower Seeds

Planting sunflower seeds is a relatively easy process. Start by preparing the soil. Sunflowers thrive in well-drained soil, so make sure to add compost or organic matter to improve the soil’s fertility. Plant sunflowers in a sunny spot in your garden. Dig a hole that is about twice the depth of the seed and place the seed in the hole. Cover it with soil and water afterwards.

Sunflower: Watering and Sunlight

Once your sunflower seeds are planted, it’s important to provide them with adequate water and sunlight. Sunflowers are sun-loving plants and require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Water the sunflower plants regularly, Ensure to keep the soil evenly moist but but please ensure that it is not waterlogged. Be careful not to overwater the sunflower plant, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

Supporting Your Sunflowers

As your sunflowers grow, they may need some support to prevent them from toppling over. You can use stakes or trellises to provide support for the tall stems. It’s best to install these supports early on, as it can be difficult to do so once the plants have grown too tall and become heavy.

Protecting Against Pests

While sunflowers are generally hardy plants, they can still fall victim to pests. Common pests that may attack sunflowers include aphids, slugs, and birds. To protect your sunflowers, you can use organic pest control methods such as spraying neem oil or creating physical barriers around the plants.

Harvesting Sunflower Seeds

One of the most rewarding aspects of growing sunflowers is harvesting the seeds. Sunflower seeds can be harvested once the flower heads have fully matured and the petals have wilted. Cut the flower heads off the plants and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place to dry. Once the flower heads are completely dry, gently tap or rub the dried flowers to remove the seeds.

Conclusion

By following these tips on planting, growing, and caring for sunflower plants, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of these cheerful flowers in your own garden. Whether you choose to grow them for their vibrant blooms or for their tasty seeds, sunflowers are sure to bring joy to your outdoor space.