The time of year has come when the soils have warmed and it’s time to start planting sunflowers. Sunflowers have always been one of my favorite types of flowers, and I have enjoyed growing them for the past several years. Many people don’t realize how many color and size options there are when it comes to growing this cheerful-looking plant.
I grow many different varieties of sunflowers, ranging from your typical golden flower all the way to orange or red. I grow giant Mammoth Sunflowers and even the smaller cut flower varieties. I love all the different types that there are, and I love how no matter which type you grow they all know how to turn and face the sun as it changes location throughout the day. There is just something about them that can make any mood brighter!
It is said that sunflowers are a symbol of loyalty, nobility, adoration, happiness, and longevity. Its beauty has captivated many different cultures throughout the ages. In China the sunflower is believed to possess magical properties. Christians on the other hand see the sunflower as a sign of God’s love. Whether or not you can see these whimsical traits in the sunflower yourself, there is no denying the sheer beauty of this plant.
I plant sunflowers to sell, to enjoy their beauty around my yard, and because they are great for attracting pollinators such as bees to my garden, which is very beneficial to all of the other plants I’m growing. I go a little crazy with sunflowers and plant them practically all around my house, but I always make sure to plant the majority of them near my pumpkin patch so that the bees can easily make their way to the pumpkin and squash blossoms as well.
As the name would suggest, sunflowers need to be planted in an area that has access to full sun. It is best to sow the seeds directly into the soil once the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed to a consistent 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sunflowers do well in loamy, sandy soil that is loose and easily drained. This is not a picky flower to grow, and they tend to do well in soil that is slightly acidic. However, they do require soil that is rich in organic matter as they are heavy feeders. Adding organic matter/more nutrients to your soil can be achieved by mixing compost into the soil before planting. Slow-release granular fertilizer can also be mixed into the soil or side dressed throughout the season to help give the plants some of the macronutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) that they require.
I find that sunflowers are not a fussy plant to deal with. They are heat-tolerant and thrive on about 1-2 deep waterings a week. They aren’t particularly prone to many problems, but one issue that I tend to face with them in my area are the squirrels. It is not uncommon for me to find some of my sunflowers decapitated after the squirrels have bitten the heads clean off of them. It is always a frustrating sight and is yet another reason why I plant sunflowers in large quantities. Casualties with any plant can and will happen, so it’s always important to have more for backup.
Depending on the variety, it will be between 80-120 days before my yard is decorated with tons of mighty sunflowers. However, it only takes around 7-10 days for the seeds to germinate so it won’t be long before the tiny sprouts that I have planted begin to emerge from the soil. It is very satisfying seeing those little, green sprouts pop out of the ground, and it’s amazing to think that one day what started out as a single seed will soon stand tall and proud, decorating the landscape will its bright and cheerful color.
Below are some of my favorite pictures of my sunflowers from years past:
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Do they make a shorter variety of Sunflower? And if so, will you be selling the plants or seeds at your stand? :)