straightaway sum-up
Sunflowers , with theirtowering heightand vibrant blossom , are abeloved additionto any garden . While you may be tempt to discard last year ’s source , they hold the potential drop for a newfangled time of year of knockout . This comprehensive usher will take the air you through the process of planting last year ’s sunflower seed , ensure a successful and rewarding gardening experience .
Selecting Viable Seeds
The first step is toselect viable seedsfrom last yr ’s crop . Look for seeds that are plump , dark in color , and spare of blemishes . Avoid any seeds that are shrink , sick , or have visible legal injury .
Preparing the Soil
helianthus thrive in well - drained soilthat is productive inorganic matter . Amend the soil with compost or manure to amend its rankness and drainage . Ensure that the grunge is sluttish and gratuitous oflarge clumpsor rocks .
Choosing the Right Location
sunflower require sizable sunlight to reach their full potential . take a fix in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of lineal sunlight per day . annul plant in region that are prostrate to flooding or undue shadiness .
Planting the Seeds
1 . Create holes : excavate cakehole about 1inch deepand 12 - 18 in asunder . Thespacing dependson the variety of sunflower you are planting.2 . post the semen : Drop 2 - 3 seeds into each hole.3 . brood the seeds : Fill the hole with soil andgently patdown to firm .
Watering
Water the seed thoroughly after plant . Keep thesoil moistbut not soggy . Avoid overwatering , as this can run to seed guff .
Thinning
Once the seedlings emerge , reduce them to 1 plant per hole . prefer the strongest andhealthiest seedlingin each group . Remove theweaker seedlingsbygently pullingthem up .
Fertilizing
Support
As thesunflowers farm tall , they mayrequire keep . Place stakes or treillage near the plants to prevent them from falling over .
Harvesting Seeds
Once the sunflowers havefinished flower , theseed headswill begin to dry out . Allow the seed heads to dry completely on the plants before harvesting . Cut the seeded player heads off and place them in a warm , dry localization to finish drying . Once the seeds are completely dry , take them from the source heads and store them in a nerveless , dark placefor next use .
Wrapping Up: A Garden of Memories
Withproper careand aid , planting last year ’s sunflower seeds can yield a bountiful harvest home of vivacious blooms . Not only will yousave money , but you ’ll also make a garden that is occupy with memories of past summers .
What You Need to Know
Q : Can Iplant sunflower seedsfrom any variety?A : Yes , you canplant seedsfrom any variety of sunflower . However , some varieties may have different requirements for spacing , sun , and reenforcement . Q : How long does it take forsunflower seedsto germinate?A : Sunflower seeds typically germinatewithin 7 - 10 days . Q : Can I plant sunflower seeds indoors?A : Yes , you canstart sunflower seeds indoors4 - 6 weeks before the last frost . Transplant theseedlings outdoorsonce they have train a few sets of true farewell . Q : How often should I water sunflowers?A : weewee sunflowers deeplyand regularly , especially during raging anddry weather . Allow the soil to dry out out slightly between watering . Q : What pests and disease can affect sunflowers?A : sunflower are susceptible to a mixed bag of pests and disease , including aphids , powdery mildew , anddowny mildew . Monitor yourplants regularlyand treat problems promptly .