Growing Sunflowers

Sunflowers are hardy, easy-to-grow annuals, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. They say “summer” like no other plant.

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When it come to prime in my garden , I admit I ’m rather selective . As I continue to increase the areas of the yard devoted to perennial , any annuals must be special to make the gash . sunflower have become one of those finalists . sunflower come in an awful form of size of it and colouring . On one ending , some varieties rise as tall as 15 feet , with flower heads expectant than a human foot in diameter . On the other , smaller varieties are only 1 - 2 feet tall . In the centre are medium - height change that remain firm 5 - 6 feet tall with heads 8 - 10 inches across . Some variety produce a single big flower while others form several header .

implant

Although sunflowers can be started indoors , consider train - sow the seed after the last spring icing engagement . The grease temperature should be at least 55 - 60 degrees F. If your spring up time of year is short , however , you could plant them up to 2 weeks before the last fair rime .

If you are planting in row , blank seeds about 6 inches asunder and 1 inch rich . Keep the seed watered . The come germinate in 7 to 10 day ( mine actually started in 5 days ) . When the first “ true ” leaves appear , thin the plant to about 3 - 6 inches for little miscellany , and 1 - 2 feet aside for the larger varieties ( confabulate the semen package first ) . space between rows will again be specific to the diversity .

helianthus grow best in full sun , and opt long , hot summers to flower well . They are n’t too finicky about dirt types , but they will do better in well - drain , slightly acidulent to somewhat alkalic soil ( pH 6.0 to 7.5 ) . Since high wind can be a factor in their growth when they are gravid , found them in a sheltered area if potential ( i.e. along a fencing or near a building ) .

Care & Feeding

The courteous matter about helianthus is that their roots distribute quick and the main stem becomes very strong . Most varieties can withstand some drouth ( a necessity in north Texas ) , but will acquire more vigorously when they are watered regularly . inscrutable , regular lachrymation will boost ascendant development , which is obviously helpful with the tall , top - grueling sunflower varieties .

Another advantage is that sunflowers do not require much fertilizer . However , if you do wish to feed them , do n’t overdo the atomic number 7 because this will delay blossoming . Of course , mulch them with a 2- or 3 - inch layer of organic topic will help hold back moisture and discourage weeds . The taller variety can call for support or staking , as they are vulnerable to summertime confidential information and rain .

Pests

The elemental pest to helianthus will be fowl and squirrel , especially during harvest home time . To screen the plant , some type of roadblock is most effective . As the heyday / source heads maturate , cover each one with polyspun garden fleece , mesh bag , cheesecloth , or onetime pantyhose . They will get light source and publicise in and keep the critters out . You may also want to eliminate the leaves that are closest to the heads to make it harder for the birds to rest and feed .

luckily , sunflowers are comparatively insect - liberal , except for the gray sunflower moth . Its larva are greenish - yellow with 5 brown stripes down their back . They feed in the flower and destroy the seeds . you may hand piece them off , or use a product incorporate B thuringiensis ( Bt ) as shortly as you see the larva .

Diseases

The main issues I ’ve had with my sunflower are fungal disease and rusting . Downy mildew and powdery mildew can dissemble leaf surfaces and eventually destroy them . The sure-enough leave-taking ( at the bottom ) are usually infected first . These diseases are most probable to pass off on coolheaded damp dark and ardent humid days . The in effect news is that fungal diseases unremarkably will not kill a mature plant life ( it just make it expect bad ) .

Rust appear on the leaf surfaces as yellow or white spots that eventually turn chocolate-brown or contraband . In severe cases , the disease may spread to stems and flowers causing distorted ontogeny . If fungal disease are spot early enough , spraying with a fungicide as directed on the product recording label can help protect the foliage . You should remove and destroy plant that are severely infect . Another tip is to disinfect your tools by dipping them in a solution of 1 part blanching agent to 4 parts water .

Harvesting & Storage

The mutual sign that sunflower are ready to harvest is when the rearward side turns from green to a yellow colour . The other foretoken ( mainly with the gravid heads ) is that they will “ nod ” downwards . The petals covering the developing come will dry up and fall out well .

To beat the raspberry and squirrels to the punch , cut off the seed heads with a understructure or so of fore attached and cling them in a warm , ironical place . It should be well - ventilate and protected from rodents and bug . If you are design on eat the seeds , they usually need to be dried on the plants . To foreclose molds , keep the harvested seed head out of humid areas and allow them cure for several weeks . When the seeds are thoroughly dry out out , dislodge them from the peak by rubbing two mind together , or by brushing them with your fingers . Once this is done , set aside the seeds to dry for a few more days . put in them in an airtight ice jar .

If you are using them as gelded flowers or indoor posy , cut the main stem before its flower bud has a luck to open up to encourage side blooms . cold shoulder stem in the morning , when the buds are just commence to open . Place helianthus in tall containers to provide good support for their head , and of course deepen the water often to keep them fresh .

wipe out ‘ Em Up

Sunflower source are rich in vitamins , protein , and minerals , as well as linoleic acid . The seeds are also a dandy germ of iron , atomic number 19 and phosphorus , and take vitamin A , B and E. The seeds are great for snacks , either alone or blend with dry fruit or nuts . Want ’em salted ? Add a cup of salinity into a congius of water and soak them overnight . Then , dry them again and fix them in the oven at 250 grade F for 4 to 5 hours .

Photo/Illustration: Greg Holdsworth (All photos)

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