A sunflower can regrow from a stem, but whether or not it will depend on how the stems were cut, how healthy the stem is and how long ago it was cut. Sunflower stems you buy from a florist are unlikely to grow into a new plant. However, if you already have a sunflower plant, you can use the stem propagation method. This article will answer the question, ‘can you replant sunflower stems.’
Can you replant sunflower stems?
There are more than 70 varieties of sunflowers available with names like Autumn beauty, Mammoth, and Moulin rouge. These flowers can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
Taking a cutting
You’ll first need to select a stem from your sunflower that has good potential for growth. Look for a stem between 4 and 6 inches in length and has no flower buds.
When cutting the stem, make the cut at a forty-five-degree angle. Ensure your pruning shears are clean and sharp before taking a cutting.
Planting your cutting
Before you cut the sunflower stems, find an area to plant the cuttings. You can either plant your cuttings directly into the ground or put them in pots until they have rooted and established themselves.
Dwarf sunflowers can be grown in pots on patios or transplanted into a flower bed once they are established. Larger sunflowers, such as the mammoth variety, get very large and must be planted outdoors directly into the ground.
Choose a sunny location for planting. Ensure the soil is well drained and has plenty of organic matter for nutrients. This will help your sunflowers grow more quickly and yield more flowers.
Before planting the stems remove the bottom leaves and dip the stem into rooting hormones. Alternatively, you can use cinnamon, as this also helps plants to root.
Sunflowers generally bloom within 60 days of the cutting being planted. They are generally fast growers and grow towards the sun as they are heliotropic. The exact amount of time it takes for the plant to flower will depend on the variety, some bloom after just 50 days.
Caring for your cuttings
Once you’ve cut the stems and replanted them, provide water regularly until they start to regrow. You may want to put some mulch around the stems to help retain moisture, and you can also stake up the plants if they tend to fall over easily.
Sunflowers require a lot of water, especially in warmer climates, as the sun will cause water to evaporate from the soil quickly. It’s best to water your plants in the early morning to avoid this problem. You can also provide your sunflowers with a good quality fertilizer to encourage growth.
If your sunflowers are not regrowing, they may have been affected by disease or pests, preventing them from growing properly. Always use compost to inoculate your sunflower soil before planting to protect your sunflowers from disease. You can also spray them with neem oil or other organic pesticides if you notice any insect pests on your plants.
As the flowers die, you can deadhead your plant. This will help encourage new growth.
Other ways to propagate sunflowers
You can also grow more sunflowers by planting seeds directly in the ground, growing them from root cuttings, or dividing established plants. Whichever method you choose, remember that sunflowers will grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Conclusion
If you’ve got the right conditions for sunflower regrowth, then your stems will likely be able to regrow and produce more flowers.
Just follow these tips to help your sunflowers grow quickly, and you’ll be enjoying the beautiful blooms soon!