How to grow Sunflower Seeds
Growing them from seed is surprisingly easy and rewarding. Here's your guide to successful sunflower seed sowing:
When to Sow:
Indoors, Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost indoors under grow lights or a sunny windowsill. Direct sowing: Wait until after the last frost in your area
Choosing a Location:
Select a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Sunflowers prefer well-draining soil. Amend clay soil with compost or sand for better drainage.
Sowing: Sow seeds 2.5-5 cm deep directly outdoors, spacing dwarf varieties 15 cm apart and taller ones 30-45 cm apart. For indoor sowing, use individual pots with seed starting mix, sow 2 seeds per pot and thin later.
Care and Maintenance:
Once seedlings emerge, thin them to the desired spacing. Water regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Taller varieties may need staking to support their heavy heads. Use stakes or poles and loosely tie the stem to the support as it grows.
Blooming:
Expect sunflowers to bloom 8-12 weeks after sowing, typically in mid-summer to early fall. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.