Summary
The Mexican sunflower , know for its cheerful yellow blooming and soft nature , is apopular choiceamong gardeners . If you ’re looking to add a splashing of sunshine to your landscape , larn how to plant Mexican sunflower is indispensable . Thiscomprehensive guidewill provide you with step - by - footmark educational activity and helpful tips to ensure achiever .
Choosing the Right Location
Mexican sunflowers thrive infull sunto partial shade . They choose well - drained soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 . Avoid implant them in area prone to waterlogging .
Preparing the Soil
Before planting , prepare the filth by till it to a depth of 12 column inch . take away any weed or detritus and mix in someorganic matter , such as compost or manure , toimprove drainageand fertility .
Selecting Seeds or Plants
You canstart Mexican sunflowersfrom seeds or leverage plants from a nursery . If startle from seeds , sow them indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the lastfrost date . For transplants , select intelligent plant with substantial roots .
Planting Seeds
Sow the seeds 1/2inch deepand 12 inches asunder in well - prepared grunge . Water them mildly and keep thesoil moistuntil germination , which normally take 10 - 14 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. .
Transplanting Seedlings
When the seedlings are 4 - 6 inches marvelous , they are ready to betransplanted outdoors . Dig holes twice the width of theroot balland set the industrial plant at the same depth they were in theseed tray . Backfill the holes and water thoroughly .
Watering and Fertilizing
Mexican sunflowers are drought - liberal but will benefit from even watering , especially during hot , dry weather . Water them deeply at the alkali of the plant life , quash the foliage . inseminate monthly with a balanced fertilizer .
Mulching and Weeding
Mulching around your Mexican helianthus will helpretain moisture , suppress skunk , and modulate soil temperature . Use organic material such as drinking straw , shredded bark , or compost . Keep the orbit spare of weeds by hand - pulling or using a hoe .
Pests and Diseases
Mexican sunflower are generally pest- and disease - resistant . However , they may at times be affected by aphid or powdery mould . do by aphids withinsecticidal soapand powdery mould with a fungicide .
Harvesting and Deadheading
Mexican sunflowers flower from midsummer to go down . Toencourage continuous blooming , deadhead the spent flowers by take away them from the stem . you’re able to also collect the seminal fluid from theflower headsfor planting next season .
Companion Planting
Mexican sunflower mate well with other heat - tolerant plants such as zinnias , cosmos , and marigolds . They alsoattract good insectslike butterflies and bee .
The Bottom Line: Bring Sunshine to Your Garden with Mexican Sunflowers
By take after these footmark , you’re able to successfully plant andgrow Mexican sunflowers , bring vibrant colorand sunshine to your garden . These easy - care industrial plant will provide you with months of enjoyment and adorn your outdoor space .
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q : How often should I irrigate Mexican sunflowers?A : irrigate them deeply once a hebdomad , especially during blistering , dry weather . Q : DoMexican sunflowersneed full sun?A : Theyprefer full sunbut can permit partial shade . Q : Can Iplant Mexican sunflowersin containers?A : Yes , they can be grown in containers as long as they havegood drainageandreceive plentyof sunlight . Q : How tall do Mexican sunflowers grow?A : They canreach heightsof 3 - 6 feet . Q : What is the best mode to get down Mexican sunflowers?A : you may get them fromseeds indoorsorpurchase transplantsfrom a nursery . Q : DoMexican sunflowersself - seed?A : Yes , they can self - seed , so you may get newfangled plants the next year . Q : Are Mexican sunflowers edible?A : The seeds are edible and can be roasted or grind into flour . Q : How can Iattract butterfliesto Mexican sunflowers?A : Plant them in mathematical group and provide a piddle source nearby . Q : What are the benefits of companion imbed Mexican sunflowers?A : Theyattract beneficial insects , ameliorate grime wellness , and deter pests . Q : How do I winter Mexican sunflowers?A : Incold climates , you may dig up the tubers in the downslope and store them indoors over the winter .