Planting and Growing Guide for Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Description
Sunflowers have huge, daisy-like flower faces formed from bright yellow petals. The brown centers of the flowers ripen into large and heavy heads filled with seeds. Sunflowers require full sun. They grow best in rich, well-drained, moist soil with plenty of mulch and aged-compost covering the root zone. Sunflowers do not transplant very well and so they are best grown from seed planted directly into the garden bed. Choose the the giant or Russian varieties for superior seed production. Sunflowers grow quite tall - up to 1-2 metres (4-6 feet) when mature and so they need plenty of space in a sheltered area of your garden, perhaps against a fence or wall. The plants need to be supported with stakes to protect them from wind damage. The seed heads may need to be covered to protect them from bird attacks. The seeds can be used fresh, or roasted. The cooked seeds can also be pressed for oil.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow seed directly into the garden at a depth of 2 cm (1 inch).
Space between plants: Plant seeds with a spacing of 20-40 cm (8-16 inches).
Harvest Time: Harvest in 10-11 weeks
Hints:
- Grows best in full sun, in a sheltered spot that does not dry out.
- Sunflowers prefer a friable, deep soil, that is rich in organic matter
- Feed regularly and add compost or aged manure around the plants as they grow to provide mulch and source of nutrients.
- Plants need support when they reach maximum height
- Prepare your soil before planting by digging an area of about 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) in circumference to a depth of about 60 cm (2 feet).
- Sunflowers do best in neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline soil (pH 6.0 to 7.5).
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!