{"id":11012,"date":"2020-03-01T05:22:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-29T19:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/?p=11012"},"modified":"2025-10-30T21:15:23","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T11:15:23","slug":"easy-growing-guide-how-to-grow-sunflowers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/2020\/03\/01\/easy-growing-guide-how-to-grow-sunflowers\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy Growing Guide: How to Grow Sunflowers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"What\u2019s
What\u2019s not to love about sunflowers? <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s not to love about sunflowers? There\u2019s something warm, happy, and homey about them. They are also easy to grow!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunflowers are summer annual flowering plants. They bloom in the heat of the sun. You can start them from seed as soon as the danger of frost has passed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planting\nat around this time of the year will give you sunflowers with taller stalks and\nwider flower heads. Sunflowers planted in mid-summer grow shorter stalks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Growing\nSunflowers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your purpose, there is always one sunflower variety that\u2019s perfect for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want sunflowers for your flower garden, you can choose shorter varieties with smaller flower heads. For edible seeds, choose the American sunflower, Helianthus annuus.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below\nare a few pointers on growing sunflowers in your backyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing\na Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pick\na sunny location where your plants can get at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight\nevery day. Sunflowers are not picky when it comes to soil. They are even\ndrought-tolerant. But they will not tolerate soil with standing water so you\nneed to find a spot that is well-draining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pick
Pick a sunny location where your plants can get at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Preparing\nthe Soil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Prepare the soil by digging an area 2 to 3 feet in circumference and about 2 feet deep. While not picky plants at all, sunflowers thrive in slightly acidic to somewhat alkaline soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunflowers are heavy feeders. For best results, amend the soil with organic matter or composted manure. You can also work in a slow-release granular fertilizer 8 inches deep into the soil for good measure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If\npossible, plant your sunflower seeds in a spot that is sheltered from strong\nwinds – perhaps along a fence or near a building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For
For best results, amend the soil with organic matter or composted manure <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Planting\nSunflower Seeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Give\neach sunflower plant plenty of room. The plants need space to expand. This is\nespecially true for low-growing varieties that branch out. Make your rows about\n30 inches apart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plant the larger seeds no more than 1 inch deep about 6 inches apart. You can plant multiple seeds and thin them to the strongest contenders when the plants are six inches tall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"You
You can plant multiple seeds and thin them to the strongest contenders when the plants are six inches tall. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Caring\nfor Sunflower Plants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While\nthe plant is small, water around the root zone – about 3 to 4 inches from the\nplant. You may wish to set snail or slug bait around the stem to protect your\nplants against pests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once\nthe plants are established, water them deeply but infrequently to encourage\ndeep rooting. Feed the plants sparingly, too. Overfertilization can cause stems\nto break in the fall. You can add diluted fertilizer into the water but avoid\ngetting it near the plant\u2019s base. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Once
Once the plants are established, water them deeply but infrequently to encourage deep rooting. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The\ntaller sunflower varieties and cultivars require support. Bamboo stakes are a\ngood choice for plants that have strong, single stems. Your sunflowers will also\nattract birds and squirrels. If you plan to use the seeds, deter these animals with\nbarrier devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As\nseed heads mature and the flowers sag, you can cover each one with white poly-spun\ngarden fleece, says Catherine Boekmann for Old Farmer\u2019s Almanac<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there\nare deer in your area, keep them off your plants with a tall wire barrier. Sunflowers\nare relatively insect-free, but a small gray moth will sometimes lay its eggs\nin the blossoms. Pick the worms from the plants by hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"If
If there are deer in your area, keep them off your plants with a tall wire barrier. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cutting\nFlowers for Bouquets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For indoor bouquets, cut the main stem just before its flower bud opens. This will encourage side blooms.  Remember to cut stems early in the morning. Harvesting flowers during mid-day may lead to wilting. The flowers should last at least a week in the water at room temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you grow sunflowers in your backyard? If so, we\u2019d love to hear more tips and growing advice from you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a quick video\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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