Sunflowers are some of the easiest flowers to grow. They are heat tolerant, pest resistant and fast growing. These flowers are not only beautiful, but they can repair/detox soil, provide shade in your garden, and attract all kinds of beneficial pollinators. Here are the basics of growing sunflowers…
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Choosing the Sunflower that’s Best for You
Y’all, did you know that there are over 70 types of sunflowers? I know when you think “sunflower”, you think a medium size yellow flower with a black center. Your typical Helianthus. Which, fun fact, is a Greek word that means: Helios – “Sun”, and Anthos – “Flower”. Hence, “Sunflower”.
But if you start looking, you’ll find that there are so many more verities!
Sunflowers come in all sizes and colors. They can be perennials or annuals. There are giants and dwarfs. So, picking a kind that works the best for your space is important.
Your average sunflower grows to about 9-10 feet tall. A giant type can get up to 15-20 feet tall. And the dwarf kinds are about 1-2 feet tall, sometimes up to 4 feet.
It’s also important to note that if you’re growing sunflowers to cut and display, you will need to choose a verity that is pollen-less. Those are typically labeled “pro-cut” flowers.
In my garden, I use a mix of sunflowers. I plant dwarf verities next to my pole beans, to draw pollinators (and because it looks pretty!). I plant average and giant verities near my tomato plants, to give them a little relief from the sun and because they help repel aphids. I also have a few areas where I plant some sunflowers just for cutting, and I use them to boarder one section of my garden.
I also like to plant all kinds of colors!
How to Plant Sunflower Seeds
Sunflowers grow in pretty much any soil condition, although they prefer well-drained. And they also need full sun.
Sunflowers do best when direct sown. Although you can start them indoors a few weeks before your last frost, to give them a head start.
When direct sowing, make sure to plant after all danger of frost is gone. Your soil should be at least 50 degrees F. Plant seeds 1 – 1 ½ inches deep and 6 inches apart. Later you will thin them to 12 inches apart.
Keep your soil moist to germinate.
Most sunflowers take 80-100 days from germination to first bloom.
When to Water your Sunflowers
Once your seeds have germinated, their water needs change. Sunflowers only need about an inch of water a week. They like to dry out between waterings.
If your sunflower leaves are turning yellow and brown, they’re overwatered. If the soil is moist and they’re wilting as well, it’s probably gotten to the point of root rot.
If your sunflower leaves are dry and crispy, they are not getting enough water.
1-2 times a week, deeply water your sunflowers. Like, really well. You want the top 6 inches of soil good and moist. It’s best to do this in the morning. Then let them dry out for a few days to a week before watering again.
If you are having really hot and dry weather, they will need more water, more often. But just keep an eye on their soil and leaves, and they’ll tell you what they need.
Once, every few weeks, you can add some liquid fertilizer and give them a little boost. Or, in the first few weeks of growth, you can use a granular fertilizer for a slow-release feed over the life of your sunflower.
Enjoying your Sunflowers all Summer
Sunflower blooms will last about 3-4 weeks. Most sunflowers only bloom once. So, if you want to enjoy flowers until Fall, you can sow sunflower seeds every few weeks throughout the Spring and Summer.
Saving their seeds is so easy! Allow the sunflower head to stay on the plant until all the petals have fallen off. Next, you’re going to cut the head off and hang it to dry for a few weeks. You’ll probably need to find a spot where the birds won’t steal your seeds right out of the flower head.
Now that they have dried, the seeds will pop right out. If the seeds are plump and full, they should be viable. Store your seeds in a paper bag or envelope until next Spring. Keeping them in paper ensures that they won’t mold, if the seeds were not completely dry.
Or, you can feed the flower heads to your chickens or birds. They love them!
And don’t forget about yourself! Sunflower seeds are delicious. You can save them, shell them and enjoy raw, roasted or in a dish.
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