As a Kansas Girl Sunflowers have always been my favorite flower. My love of Sunflowers started when my mother would take me to the edge of town and take my pictures in the sunflower fields. I have decorated with them, my favorite dress has sunflowers on it and even my china pattern embraces Sunflowers. I thought nothing could be better than a Sunflower bouquet but then I started planting them. For the last 10 years or so I have planted various types of Sunflowers. In this Saturday in the Garden post, I thought I would share how to grow my favorite flower!
10 Tips for Growing Sunflowers
1. Choose the Right Location: Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
2. Planting Seeds: Plant sunflower seeds directly into the soil after the last frost. Sow them 1 to 2 inches deep. (I love rareseeds.com and Americanmeadows.com for Sunflower seeds)
3. Spacing: Space seeds according to the variety, usually 6 to 24 inches apart, depending on the type of sunflower.
4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge. Once established, sunflowers are somewhat drought-tolerant.
5. Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer when planting, and you can supplement with fertilizer during the growing season if needed.
6. Support for Tall Varieties: If growing tall varieties, provide support with stakes or a cage to prevent them from bending or breaking.
7. Weeding: Keep the area around sunflowers free from weeds, especially when they are young.
8. Pest Control: Monitor for pests like aphids or caterpillars. Use organic or chemical control methods if necessary.
9. Harvesting: Harvest when the back of the flower head turns yellow. Cut the stem and hang the sunflowers upside down to dry.
10. Saving Seeds: If you want to save seeds, let the flower heads dry on the stalk. Remove seeds and store them in a cool, dry place.
Remember, sunflowers are relatively low-maintenance and can add a vibrant touch to your garden.
Simply~Jess
