Any recommendations for planting and growing sunflowers.?

Question

Live in the midwest and would like to have sunflowers, have tried before with no luck.

Answer 1

They need to be planted in an area that has full sun all day long. That seems to be the only trick to growing them.

Answer 2

They *say* that sunflowers don't like to be transplanted, but I often get volunteer sunflowers out in the yard, and I've transplanted them (while young -- less than three inches high, anyway) with no problem. The important thing is to keep them weeded while they are small. When they get about knee-high, they tend to be able to fend for themselves. I like to grow mine in rows, and mulch them with lawn mower clippings. That will help decrease any watering.

I really think starting them in pots (if you have no volunteers) is the way to go. Just plant them before they get too big (about the time the first or second true leaves are showing). Plant them slightly deeper in the earth than where they were in the pots. They need all the roots they can get to survive storms!

Good luck this year!

Answer 3

Plant in good soil in hole 1 3/4- 2 times the size of the seed. Sunflowers about 1/2" deep. Water in well then every 1-2 days until the are about 4" high then ween the water to 1" per week depending on weather conditions.

Answer 4

My suggestion is to plant Maximillian Sunflowers. It's a more attractive sunflower and is native to the midwest. The large sunflowers that people plant are forced and not native to the U.S. In addition, maximillian sunflower seeds can be planted now, in the springtime.

http://www.seedsource.com/catalog/detail.asp?product_id=1018

Answer 5

I have always started my sunflowers inside, thus insuring good germination period, and they have more time to establish good roots and starter leaves before being exposed to the outdoor elements. After they are 4 inches i start taking the out everyday and exposing them to a light wind. This helps to strengthen them so they will not be in shock when planted outside. After the threat of all frost i plant them outside. And from there they usually do great. You get the odd one that does not do well from the transplant, but overall they are a sucess. Hope this helps and good luck,. mine are 6 inches already. I have to wait till middle of may to plant mine outside.

Answer 6

Sunflowers grow very tall, unless you get the dwarf kind. They don't get quite as tall. Make sure they are in sun, alway from other plants, they tend to shade small plants. I plant mine next to the privacy fence so I can tie them up as they get big. You have alot of birds coming to eat the seeds, so make sure your laundry is away from them and your cars. Birds tend to poo after every bite they eat! Lots of sun, good dirt, poor dirt, doesn;t matter. They kinda grow on their own. Just tie them up or stake them when they start getting so big.

Answer 7

Plant in fertile soil and step back quickly to get out of the way. You can water and fertilize if you feel like but mine thrive on "benign neglect". I live in North Dakota, a major commercial growing region, and if they can grow in "Gods tantrum climate" they can grow almost anywhere.