Description

Product Details:

• Sow Method: Direct Sow
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Height: 3-4 feet
• Spread: 15-30 inches
• Ornamental Use: Beds, Container, Cut Flowers
• Life Cycle: Annual

Growing Information: Sunflowers are grown from seeds planted directly in the garden after the last frost.

• Directly sow seeds into average soil in full sun after the danger of frost has passed.
• Choose a site with well-drained soil, as sunflowers face the sun and thrive in open areas. For taller varieties, plant them at the north end of your garden to avoid shading other plants.
• Prepare the soil by removing weeds and incorporating organic matter into the top 6-8 inches. Level and smooth the soil surface.
• Most plants benefit from organic matter-amended soil. Compost is ideal due to its nutrient balance and pH level. If compost isn’t available, apply 1-2 inches of organic mulch after planting, which will break down into compost over time. Conduct a soil test after the growing season to determine necessary amendments for the next season.
• Sow seeds ½ inch deep in groups of 2 or 3 seeds, spacing groups 18-24 inches apart depending on the variety.
• Lightly firm the soil, water thoroughly, and maintain even moisture.
• Seedlings typically emerge in 7-10 days.
• Thin seedlings to one plant per group when they have two sets of leaves.
• Control weeds throughout the growing season to minimize competition for water, space, and nutrients. Cultivate regularly or use mulch to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Organic mulches like shredded leaves improve soil quality over time and help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Ensure mulch does not touch plant stems to prevent potential rot.
• Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated.
• Once established, sunflowers can withstand drought conditions.
• Fertilizer is unnecessary unless the soil is poor; avoid over-fertilizing.
• Monitor for pests and diseases; consult your local Cooperative Extension Service for recommended pest controls.
• Some varieties produce only one bloom; remove plants after flowering to maintain garden cleanliness and prevent disease.
• Remove sunflower plants after they are killed by frost in fall to prevent potential disease issues in the following year.
• Edible sunflowers mature approximately 3 months after sowing. Harvest seeds by cutting heads when stalks are dry but before fall or winter rains. Check for maturity by inspecting florets in the center of the flower disk for shrinkage and yellowing on the back of the flower head or drooping heads. Leave a foot of stalk attached to harvested flower heads, and dry them in a warm, well-ventilated area. Protect seeds with cheesecloth, netting, or perforated paper bags to collect any seeds that may fall during drying.
• Shorter sunflower varieties are suitable for container gardening; use commercial potting mix for best results.
• Pollenless sunflower varieties make excellent cut flowers.