Watching sunflowers grow is a fun activity for kids and adults alike. You may even want to have a sunflower growing competition. In the Northern Hemisphere, the best time to plant sunflower seeds is from April to early June. This allows them to grow and fully blossom in summer before harvesting in late August or September.
In addition, you should avoid planting sunflowers too close to your home. Doing so will block sunlight from entering a window or a door, blocking your entry or exit from that area. Let’s look at when to plant sunflowers for best results.
The Best Time to Plant Sunflowers
The best time to plant sunflowers is in the spring or early summer, depending on the climate where you live. Sunflowers are beautiful, sun-loving plants that can grow very tall. It’s best to plant them in the spring when the threat of frost has passed.
You can plant your seeds indoors or outside between April and June. In the southern states, you’ll be able to plant your sunflowers outside in April, while in more northern states where the weather is cold, it’s best to grow the seeds inside or wait until May or June before sowing seeds outside. Later planting in warmer areas will give sunflowers enough time to grow and blossom in summer without any problems.
In general, it’s recommended that you wait until the soil temperature reaches about 60 degrees Fahrenheit before planting sunflower seeds or seedlings outdoors. In some warmer areas such as Louisiana, sunflowers can be planted as late as early August, as the weather will still be sunny enough for them to flower in the fall. If you have sunflower seeds left after August, it’s best to wait until the following spring to plant them rather than planting in the fall.
How to plant sunflower seeds?
Now that we know when to plant sunflowers, let’s take a look at how to plant them.
Sunflower seeds are available in different types, depending on their size. It’s best to pick the largest sunflower seeds to have a taller plant. The larger plants tend to germinate faster and grow stronger compared to smaller sunflower varieties.
The process of planting them is very simple. You need large flower pots or garden beds with at least 12 inches of soil for your seeds to blossom. Plant them in a grid formation or scatter them with enough space between each plant for sunlight and growth for the best sunflower harvest.
There are several methods to grow sunflowers, depending on the size. For smaller ones, you will need a larger pot full of fertile soil that is loose and well-drained. Avoid planting sunflowers in clay soil. You can also start them off indoors before transferring them outdoors once they have enough strength to support themselves. Be careful not to damage the roots during the transplantation process.
Let your sunflower seeds grow until they’re strong enough to survive in a garden with other plants. Once your seedlings grow into a few inches, thin them out by removing the weaker seedlings. If you want a bigger harvest, it’s best to leave only one or two sunflower seeds per pot. This will give you a taller and stronger stalk with a larger flower on top.
How to care for sunflower plants
Ok, we’ve covered how when and how to plant sunflowers, let’s take a look at caring for them throughout the growing season.
Sunflowers thrive in full sun exposure. They enjoy warm weather and need plenty of sunlight to grow into strong seedlings. It’s best to place them near the south side of your house or near a fence where they can have protection from cold winds during wintertime or other adverse weather conditions. Here are some tips to help you grow a thriving sunflower:
Sunlight needs
Once your seedlings sprout and begin to grow, give them plenty of sunlight. Sunflowers need at least six hours of sun every day in order to develop their large flowers.
Soil
Another important thing to remember is that sunflower seeds need fertile soil before you sow them. If your soil is either acidic or alkaline, you need to take action by adding natural fertilizers like compost and manure. After tilling the soil, mix it with fertilizer and sow your seeds on top of the soil. Make sure there is at least six to twelve inches of space between each seed so they can grow without any problems.
It’s also best to plant sunflowers in loamy soil with good drainage. If your soil is very dry, you can mix it with organic materials like compost and manure or put mulch around the sunflower’s stalks to help conserve moisture. Don’t let the mulch touch the stalks, as this could cause them to rot. Sunflowers prefer soil with a pH range of between 6.0 and 7.5.
Watering requirements
It’s best to water the soil after sowing the sunflower seeds. Maintain moisture by watering them daily, especially during hot weather or drought conditions. Sunflowers are fairly heat resistant and can survive in very hot weather as long as they are provided with enough water. Mature sunflower plants need less water than young seedlings and can be watered approximately once a week.
How long does it take for sunflowers to grow?
It takes around 3 to 4 weeks for sunflower seeds to germinate and develop into seedlings. Once your seedlings grow, it will take four months before you can see the spectacular flowers of the sunflowers. The entire growing cycle lasts about 8 to 10 months as they need enough time to mature and produce seeds.
Here’s how late in the year you can plant sunflowers.
Conclusion
Sunflower plants are arguably one of the best things you can grow in your backyard. Not only do they come in various varieties, but they also help attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to your yard while adding beauty to your entire landscape.
Sunflowers aren’t difficult to plant and can be planted between April and June. In warmer states, they can be planted as late as mid-August, but only if you live in an area that’s sunny in the fall.
Related:
- Sunflower companion plants– A list of plants that grow well with sunflowers (similar light, soil, and water requirements).