produce sunflowers in New Mexico is a outstanding way to add a burst of color to your garden ! Sunflowers thrive in the warm , gay clime of New Mexico , and with the right condition , you’re able to have a beautiful raiment of sunflowers in no time .

Sunflowers are also known for their ability to attract a variety of good insects , such as bee and butterflies , to your garden . Whether you ’re look for a striking flower to sum a soda water of coloring to your yard or a way to attract more pollinators , sunflowers are the consummate addition to any New Mexico landscape painting .

New Mexico’s climate and growing zones

Zone 4 in New Mexico is characterize by cold wintertime and mild summertime . The ordinary one-year temperature is between -25 and 5 degrees Celsius ( 13 to 41 point Fahrenheit ) . This geographical zone is suitable for industrial plant that can tolerate cold temperatures and expect little wet , such as some conifers , juniper bush , and evergreens .

Zone 5 in New Mexico enjoys meek winter , with temperatures seldom dropping below -15 degrees Celsius ( 5 point Fahrenheit ) . Summers are raging in this zone , with temperature reaching upwards of 35 degrees Celsius ( 95 degrees Fahrenheit ) . This zone is suitable for shrubs , tree , and other plant life that can tolerate warmth , such as roses , pomegranates , fig , and some citrus tree .

zona 6 in New Mexico has spicy summertime , with temperatures reaching up to 37 point Celsius ( 100 degrees Fahrenheit ) . Winters are balmy , with temperature seldom settle below -5 degree Celsius ( 23 arcdegree Fahrenheit ) . This zona is suitable for many yield trees and vegetables , as well as some moth-eaten - sensitive flora such as hibiscus , oleander , and some decoration .

sunflower seedlings

Growing zones 7 through 9

Zone 7 in New Mexico has hot summer , with temperatures reaching up to 39 degree Anders Celsius ( 102 degrees Fahrenheit ) . wintertime are mild , with temperature rarely falling below -2 stage Celsius ( 28 degree Fahrenheit ) . This zona is suitable for many tropic plant , such as bougainvillea , hibiscus , and citrous fruit Tree .

geographical zone 8 in New Mexico has hot summertime , with temperatures reaching up to 41 degrees Celsius ( 106 degree Fahrenheit ) . Winters are balmy , with temperature seldom falling below 0 degrees Celsius ( 32 degrees Fahrenheit ) . This zone is desirable for many warm - weather plants , such as palms , citrus trees , and various succulent .

Zone 9 in New Mexico is the warm zona in the state , with temperatures reaching up to 43 degrees Celsius ( 109 degrees Fahrenheit ) . winter are mild , with temperatures seldom falling below 5 degrees Celsius ( 41 degree Fahrenheit ) . This zona is suitable for many tropical industrial plant , such as bougainvillea , banana tree diagram , and various ribbon .

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Growing sunflowers in New Mexico

Growing sunflowers in New Mexico can be a rewarding experience , as the state offers a great clime for tall , sun - eff plants . Although the climate in New Mexico can be a bit chilly in the winter , the body politic mostly enjoy plenteousness of cheer and tender weather in the growing season . This makes it an ideal localisation for work sunflower , which need at least six hours of direct sunlight each sidereal day to thrive .

In the spring and summer months , sunflowers in New Mexico can bask temperatures that are warm enough to allow for sprouting , rapid growth , and blooming . With ample amounts of Lord’s Day and water , helianthus in New Mexico can reach pinnacle of 8 - 10 foot tall , with beautiful yellow-bellied blooms that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter . If you are growing your sunflowers in a container , verify to use a mass with good drainage and a soil mix specifically designed for helianthus .

In the wintertime month , however , the climate in New Mexico can become quite cold and even frosty . This can make it unmanageable for sunflower to successfully germinate and survive the time of year . If you do decide to grow helianthus in New Mexico during the winter , you may need to provide additional protection for them , such as a cold chassis or greenhouse . Additionally , you may need to wait to embed your sunflowers until the temperature have warm up back up in the saltation .

Some of my favorite varieties of sunflower include :

When to start sunflowers indoors in New Mexico

Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 week before your final frost date . In New Mexico , the terminal frost dates are :

You should also count the size of it of the variety of sunflower you are planting , as inadequate varieties can be planted afterwards and taller varieties will call for to be bulge a calendar week or two earlier . Sunflowers should be part indoors :

Starting sunflower from seed is a comparatively easy process that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To begin , you will need to purchase helianthus semen from a garden center or online . When selecting seeds , make trusted to face for the desired variety you desire to grow . Once you have your seeds , you may choose to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last hoar date for your part .

fulfil a seminal fluid tray with starter grease and moisten it with a nebulizer bottle . Place your seeds on top of the soil , cut through them lightly with starter soil , and water them gently . localise the tray in a warm and sunny spot , and keep the grease moist . Once your plant have grow 2 - 3 set of parting , you’re able to transplant them outdoors .

Planting sunflowers outside in New Mexico

Sunflower seed should be planted alfresco after the last average frost date for your surface area . Planting sunflower seed too too soon can result in wretched sprouting and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a arduous frost .

When set outdoors , make certain the area has plenty of sunshine and well - draining soil . Dig a yap that is twice the sizing of the root egg , and meet the gob with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil , then water deep .

For the remainder of the helianthus ’s liveliness , make certain to keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly . With proper care , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no meter !

When to harvest sunflower seeds in New Mexico

When sunflower seeds are quick to be harvested , the back of the flower head will be dry and start to deform brown . The individual seeds will be dry and fast . The unripe husks ring the seeds will have grow yellow or white and set out to dry out . To see if the seeds are quick to be harvested , softly pinch the come head between your quarter round and forefinger . If the stubble break open easily , the seeds are ready to harvest .

Harvesting helianthus seeds is easy . Cut the flower head off the stem and spread it out on a clean airfoil . To take out the seeds , apply your hands to chafe the flower head and free the seeds . roll up the seeds in a large bowl or container . Once the seeds are harvested , stack away them in an airtight container in a coolheaded , dry post . check that the container is well seal to keep the seeds from going spoilt . Sunflower seed can last for up to a year if lay in properly .

Sunflower seeded player are toothsome and nutritious snack food . They can be eaten raw , toasted , or germinate . helianthus semen are also used in salad , grain , granola , and energy bars . They are loaded with crucial vitamin and minerals like Vitamin E , phosphorus , magnesium , and Zn . Sunflower seeds can also be used to make sunflower come butter , which is a great choice to peanut butter .

In addition to being a tidy snack , helianthus seed are also used to make birdseed . you could leave your sunflowers inviolate outside well after the heyday have die to give your local wench a tasty collation !