sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) are most often associate with expansive fields of elephantine yellow blossom facing the Dominicus .
Unfortunately , we are n’t all close enough to a sunflower field to delight their mantrap . But that should n’t stop you from enjoying them in your own backyard .
Although aboriginal to North America , these flowers are take account around the world for their culinary uses . Sunflowers were a fundamental food crop for former indigenous hoi polloi and stay critical today in the production of crude and sunflower seeds – a dear collation among man and birds .
In your backyard , helianthus may bear out from the rest of the heyday in your garden – literally . These plants are have sex for their impressive superlative , with the big on record reaching over 30 foot improbable . There are also belittled salmagundi for those gardeners not looking to break records any time soon .
Growing these hulk treasures is not unmanageable either – they largely take care of themselves . Here ’s how you could get started .
Planting
When and Where to Plant
helianthus ( unsurprisingly , given their name ) require a sunny berth of at least 6 - 8 hours of sun per daylight . Use well - draining soil enrich with constituent affair or slow - release fertilizer before planting .
There should be mint of elbow room for the long taproot to grow downwardly . If you ’re grow in corporation , pick out one of the gnome sort and plant it in a deep pot to forget enough space for the root . If you prefer one of the marvelous smorgasbord , works in a touch protected from unattackable winds to stop the plant from falling over .
start sow in seed in spring after all peril of rime has passed . The soil should be fond enough to facilitate sprouting . In most area , you could implant helianthus from mid - March to May .
Sowing Seeds
Plant the seminal fluid an inch deep and 6 in apart . For larger mixture , space the seeds further apart to see the flush reach their full sizing . you could also engraft the seeds nearer together and thin those that are weak and too stuffy once the plants are a few inches grandiloquent .
For uninterrupted blooms , stagger your planting . allow for space for new seed after your initial planting academic term and plant again every 2 workweek . Your flowers will be quick after 80 - 120 daylight depending on the variety .
you may also start up sunflower seeds indoors to get a parachuting start on your growing season .
water system thoroughly after planting . The seeds should sprout in about 7 - 10 twenty-four hours . After planting , keep chick away from the land site until the plants are demonstrate . They have a go at it the seed just as much as mankind do and will definitely go digging if given the opportunity .
Sunflower Care
Sunflowers are kind of a chain of mountains of conditions . They are not particularly grouchy – a good amount of sun is all they really need to flourish . However , to get the most from your plants , they could use a picayune extra care in these area :
Light:
As mentioned previously , the plants require at least 6 hours of sunlight per Clarence Day . Sunflowers are heliotropic ( the head face up the sun ) , so they need deal of sunshine on all parts of the plant to keep them upright .
Water:
Sunflowers can do by a lack of water but grow best when watered consistently . weewee when the top level of soil has dry out out and never let the plant sit in soggy dirt . The blossom will separate you when they are n’t get enough water through their droop heads and weak stem .
Temperature:
sunflower can withstand eminent temperatures and a bit of cold for short periods of time if their other needs are monitored and meet .
Fertilizing:
helianthus do n’t need to be fertilized often if plant in good soil . If the plants require a bit of a cost increase to break , apply a fertilizer high up in phosphorus and potassium to encourage inflorescence .
Support:
Taller helianthus varieties will demand reenforcement as they develop to stop them from falling over . Place a stake next to the works and tie the stem to the stake as the plant life grows .
Pests and Diseases
Sunflowers do n’t often encounter problem with uncouth garden pests and disease . Mildew may sham the plant but can be remove with a general antifungal . You could also total into contact with the helianthus moth , which can either be removed by hired man or with a pesticide .
Your prominent concern will be large wildlife in the sphere . Sunflowers will attract chick and squirrels interested in the seeds . cervid are also known to seize with teeth the blossom maneuver off the industrial plant . If you encounter any of these trouble , protect your blossom with a barrier and net surrounding the plants .
Harvesting
When cutting the flower for indoor displays , protrude early on in the dayspring to foreclose wilt . Cut the flowers mildly at the master radical and place them in a improbable vase to hold up the weight unit of the question . Change the water every mean solar day and the flowers should last about 7 days before they need exchange .
Besides easy approach to a bouquet of impertinent flowers all season , the best part of sunflower harvesting is collecting the source . rust as a snack , throw them in any smasher to add a crunch , or salt away them for plant next year .
To glean the seeds , let the flower dry out until the petal die back and the back of the head turns brown . The seeds should appear loose and soft to move out . instead , cut the base ahead of time and flow the foreland in a sunny spot away from bird to dry .
When you ’re quick to collect the seeds , only itch the head of the industrial plant to give up them . Rinse them to be eaten or stash away them in an airtight container in a wry topographic point for replanting .
That ’s all there is to it . No want to plant expansive fields or own a farm – you may enjoy sunflowers in your own backyard . They produce so many seed for the next time of year that you only need one to get begin . Once you ’ve spring up that one , you ’ll in all probability require hundred more of these famous flowers anyway .
7 Perennial Sunflowers That Bloom Every Year
