Quick mention
Corn and sunflowers , twoiconic summer crop , not onlyadd beautyto your garden but also provide a mountain range of culinary and bionomic benefits . By planting them together , you may maximize space , enhance filth health , and pull in beneficial insect . Here ’s a comprehensive guide on how toplant cornand sunflowers together for a thriving garden .
Choosing the Right Varieties
When take corn and helianthus variety , regard their maturity date dates , height , andpollination case . pick out corn varieties with amaturity date similarto the sunflowers you contrive to grow . For a marvellous and purple display , opt for multifariousness like ‘ Mammoth ’ or ‘ Giant ’ sunflowers . If space is limited , look at compact sunflower varieties like ‘ Sunspot ’ or ‘ Dwarf Sunspot ’ .
Preparing the Soil
Corn and sunflower thrive in well - drained , fertile soil . remediate the soil with plenty oforganic topic , such as compost or manure , to improve its structure and fertility . Theideal pH rangefor both plants is between 6.0 and 6.8 .
Planting Time and Spacing
The optimal time toplant cornand sunflowers is after the lastfrost datein your country . Plant corn seeds 1 - 2 inches deep and 6 - 12 inches apart . sunflower can beplanted slightly deeper , about 1 - 2 inch below the soil aerofoil . infinite sunflower constitute 12 - 24 inches apart , depending on the variety .
Planting Pattern
For optimal growing and pollination , plant cornand helianthus in alternating row . This normal allow forgood airflow , reduce disease pressure , and attracts a miscellany of pollinators . institute one quarrel of corn whiskey followed by two rows of sunflowers . Repeat this pattern throughout the garden .
Watering and Fertilizing
Both corn whiskey andsunflowers necessitate regular lachrymation , specially during hot anddry while . Water deeply and infrequently , allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering . Fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced plant food , comply the manufacturer ’s instructions .
Mulching
mulch around the plants helps retain wet , suppress weed , andregulate soil temperature . Useorganic materialssuch as straw , hay , orshredded leavesas mulch . broadcast a 2 - 3 inch bed around the plant , keeping it away from the stems .
Pest and Disease Control
Corn and sunflowers can be susceptible to various pests and disease . Regularly inspect the plants for mark of trouble and take appropriatecontrol bill . coarse pests include corn earworms , aphids , and spider mites . Diseases to observe out forinclude corn pornography , helianthus head rot , and powdery mold .
Companion Planting Benefits
Planting clavus and helianthus together provide numerous companion planting benefits :
Harvest Time
Corn is quick to reap when thehusks turn brownand the meat are chubby and whitish . Sunflowers are quick to reap when the back of theflower heads become brownand the seeds are full and chubby . burn the stem at the foot and hang them upside down in a well - ventilate areato dry .
Beyond the Harvest
Once you ’ve harvestedyour Indian corn and sunflowers , there are still plenty of ways to revel their bounty :
Top Questions Asked
1 . Can Iplant cornand sunflowers in the same hole?No , it ’s not urge toplant cornand sunflower in the same trap . They have differentroot systemsandnutrient requirements , and overcrowding can lead to competition for resources.2 . How often should Iwater cornand sunflowers?Water clavus and sunflowers deeply and infrequently , about once a calendar week duringdry spells . fend off overwatering , as it can lead to ancestor rot.3 . What is the in effect prison term tofertilize cornand sunflowers?Fertilize Indian corn andsunflowers monthlywith abalanced fertiliser , following the producer ’s book of instructions . The first program should be made after the plants have evolve several leaves.4 . How can Iprevent corn earwormsfrom damage my plants?Use run-in covers orapply Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt ) , abiological control agentthat specifically targets Zea mays earworms.5 . What are the mansion of sunflower head rot?Sunflower head bunk is characterized by browned or disastrous spotlight on the back of theflower heads . septic head teacher may become gentle and schmaltzy .
