cardinal points
sunflower , with their hulk stalks andradiant blooms , are a captivating ken to behold . Growing a field of these pollyannaish giant can enhance your landscape , draw pollinator , and provide endless joyfulness . Thiscomprehensive guidewill go you through every step of the process , fromsoil preparationto harvest , ensuring you work a booming field of sunflowers .
Soil Preparation
Sunflowers flourish in well - debilitate soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 . improve the ground with organic subject such as compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drain . Dig the grime to a depth of 12 - 18 inches tocreate loose , aerated shape .
Planting
Choose asunny locationwith at least 6 hour of direct sunlight per Clarence Day . Sow seed 1 - 2 inches deep and 12 - 18 inch asunder . body of water exhaustively after implant and keep thesoil moistbut not waterlogged .
Watering
Water sunflowers deep and infrequently , allowing the soil to dry out out slimly between lacrimation . Overwatering can lead toroot rot . During hot , wry weather , weewee more frequently .
Fertilizing
Fertilize sunflowers lightly with a balanced fertilizer once they extend to 6 - 8inches tall . Avoid using too much nitrogen , as this can promote inordinate foliation growth at the expense of flower production .
Pest and Disease Management
Sunflowers are in the main pest- and disease - tolerant , but watch out for aphid , caterpillars , and powdery mildew . If necessary , regale infestationswith insecticidal Georgia home boy or neem oil .
Supporting
Assunflowers grow tall , they may need support to prevent them from falling over . habituate post or trellises to provide additional stableness .
Harvesting
Sunflowers are quick to harvest when the back of theflower headsturn brown and the cum are plump and dingy . Cut the flower heads and hang them upside down in a dry , well - ventilated areato dry for 2 - 3 weeks .
Post-Harvest Care
Once the seeds are wry , remove them from theflower headsand store them in a cool , wry piazza . Sunflowers can be planted again the follow year to continue the cycle of beauty and abundance .
Companion Planting
Sunflowers make fantabulous companion plants for tomatoes , bean , and corn . Theyattract beneficial insectsthat helpcontrol pestsand improve pollenation .
Artistic Inspiration
helianthus have long been a source ofartistic aspiration . FromVan Gogh‘s famous “ Sunflowers ” to contemporary floral arrangements , theirvibrant flush fetch joyand beauty to any setting .
Field Design
When engraft a field of sunflower , regard the overall pattern . plant life in rows or block for a more stately look , orscatter seeds randomlyfor a lifelike , hayfield - like effect .
Sunflower Varieties
There arenumerous sunflower varietiesto prefer from , each with itsunique characteristic . Some popular varieties let in :
Final Note
Growing a subject of sunflowers is a rewarding and awe - exalt experience . By following thesecomprehensive instructions , you may create a vivacious and roaring sunflower Eden that willbring joyand beauty to your environment . Embrace the sun - kiss splendor of these hulk heavyweight and let theirradiant blooms illuminateyour life .
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q : How long does it take for sunflowers to grow?A : Sunflowers take about 80 - 120 days to grow from seed to reap . Q : How grandiloquent do helianthus grow?A : Sunflowers can acquire anywhere from 2 to 15feet tall , count on the diversity . Q : Can sunflowers be grown in containers?A : Yes , sunflowers can be grown in container as long as the container is large enough and has serious drain . Q : Why are my sunflower not blooming?A : sunflower need at least 6 hours ofdirect sunlightper day to bloom . They may also not bloom if they are overwatered or underfertilized . Q : How do Iattract birdsto my helianthus field?A : Leave someseed headson the plants after they have dried toattract birdsand other wildlife .
