Readers ask: When to grow sunflowers?

How long does it take for my sunflower to grow?

Depending on the variety, sunflowers will mature and develop seeds in 80 to 120 days. Sow a new row every 2 to 3 weeks to enjoy continuous blooms until the first frost.

Do sunflowers have to be planted every year?

Sunflowers are either an annual (where they need to be replanted every year) or a perennial (where they will come back every year from the same plant) and telling the difference is not that hard if you know how. Annual sunflowers growing from reseeding will not start to show up until late spring.

Can I grow sunflowers in pots?

Do sunflowers grow well in pots? Sunflowers (also known by their Latin name Helianthus) will be perfectly happy growing in a pot. You do need to provide them with a container that’s the right size for the plant.

When should I plant sunflower seeds indoors?

Sunflowers can be grown in pots or sown directly into the ground. They can be started off indoors in early spring and will grow quite happily on a window sill for a time. Alternatively, seeds can be planted outside directly once the risk of frost has passed.

Do sunflowers need a lot of water?

Although sunflowers require a lot of water to germinate, they only require an inch of water per week during the growing season. Use a watering nozzle to easily water once a week until the top 6 inches of soil is moist.

How many months do sunflowers bloom?

Bloom time:

Annual sunflowers bloom during summer and into autumn. Sow new plants every few weeks and you’ll enjoy non-stop flowers until the first frost. Perennial sunflowers bloom for a period of 8-12 weeks with some beginning as early as July and others finishing as late as October.

Will sunflowers regrow after cutting?

No, it’s an annual plant. It won’t come back. You can leave the seeds hanging in winter for the birds (and harvest some for planting next year), later cut them off and plant new seeds in spring.

Do sunflowers bloom more than once?

They do not grow and bloom again. These are usually the varieties cultivated for their large size, showy flower heads and edible seeds. A few types of sunflowers, however, can be grown as perennials, which means they will grow more flowers again the next season.

Should I soak sunflower seeds before planting?

It is recommended that you only soak most seeds for 12 to 24 hours and no more than 48 hours. After soaking your seeds, they can be planted as directed. The benefit of soaking seeds before planting is that your germination time will be reduced, which means you can have happy, growing plants faster.

How often should sunflowers be watered?

Sow sunflowers in full sun in moderately fertile, well-draining soil. Water them with one inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week depending upon rainfall. Check the soil prior to watering.

Should you deadhead sunflowers?

Should I be deadheading everything? Thankfully, no; Some obliging plants do not need deadheading. Do not remove the faded flowers on plants that produce seed loved by birds, including Rudbeckia, cornflower and sunflower.

What can you not plant with sunflowers?

The two plants known to be negatively affected by sunflowers are:

• pole beans (that climb like vines)
• potatoes.

Do you plant sunflower seeds point up or down?

The seeds of sunflower can be planted. It needs to be noted which end is downward. In order to ensure better growth, when planting, it is better to put the tip part downward and the large part upward, because the tip part will grow roots so as to tie the soil tightly, and then the growth will be more smooth.

What conditions do sunflowers need to grow?

Sunflowers grow best in full, bright sun, and in evenly moist, well-drained soil. The amount of space they need depends on which varieties you are growing. Branching types with multiple blooms on one stem need more space horizontally than large single-flowered types.

What do I feed sunflowers?

Caring for sunflowers

Annual sunflowers need plenty of water. Feed them with tomato feed just before flowering. Don’t allow plants to dry out as very tall varieties will have a job to recover. Very tall varieties may need the support of a garden cane – especially when growing in an exposed position.