How to grow Sunflowers

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Sunflowers

Learn How to grow Sunflowers, Growing Sunflowers from seeds, care, Harvesting and more about these plants. There are 70 species of Helianthus annuus or sunflower plant, from the Asteraceae family. Many of the Asteraceae are known by the name of sunflower. All except three species of South America Helianthus are native to North America. Sunflower is a popular species; its common name is Sunflower. The flower head is round and the petals of looks like the sun. Sunflower is grown as a crop for its edible oil and edible fruits. You can grow sunflower easily by seeds.

Helianthus annuus species are also used as bird food, as livestock forage, and in some industrial applications. Sunflowers are annual plants is easy to grow and become plants grow themselves. full sunlight is the best location for the production of sunflowers. Slightly acidic to alkaline soil is suitable for it and soil pH 6.0- 7.0 is the best. Once the sunflower plants are developed that can tolerate drought.

Overview helianthus annuus

Scientific name Helianthus annuus

Common name Sunflower

Plant type Flower

Sun Full sun

Soil type Well-drained soil, acidic to alkaline soil

Soil pH 6.0-7.0

Flower color Yellow

Blooming time Summer

Growing sunflowers

Sunflower plant roots spread widely and can tolerate drought. But still, it is generally the regular watering, especially when growing period. The growing period is the most important for sunflowers to thrive during the 20 days before and after watering is best.
The depth and regular watering encourage root growth, it is especially helpful in heavy sunflower blooms.
Add a slow-acting granular fertilizer to poor soil. Sunflowers do not require fertilization because they grow very quickly and in a few months to a height of 6 feet easily expanded.
Food will be as good as the big flower. But remember, if it is not so much nitrogen otherwise sunflower blooms late.
Some sunflower plant varieties do not need staking, but when the plant is 3 feet tall, the plant can support stacking is good. Its branches are quite brittle, especially where it is joint to the stem. The flowers are so large in size, it may damage from rain or strong winds, staking well that time.
When the time comes the stage of seed ripening and harvesting squirrels and birds are the main problems. They can use the device tool to stop the problem.

If you can direct seed spring is the best time to plant. When the soil temperature is over to 40 degrees F.
Sunflower flower prefers long summers. 6 to 8 hours in direct sunlight is necessary for sunflower.
Plants roots are quite spread so it prefers dry and loose soil for dug; to prepare the bed 2 feet deep digging is required. Select a location before planting it is perfectly well drained. After the elections, the 2 to 3 feet deep dug the soil to prepare the soil.
As the name suggests, this plant requires full sun. So you should choose a place where direct sunlight falls.
Sunflower plant acidic and alkaline soil ph level should be 6 to 7.
Sunflower plant are heavy feeders so it’s required nutrient rich with organic compost in the soil. Slow release granular fertilizer 8 inches deep into the soil.
If possible, seeds grow near the fence or around the building because its plants are 5 feet tall, and the flowers are quite heavy. Read more.

Growing Sunflowers from seeds

These are annual plants, these plants can easily grow. Sunflower plant is a very, and seeds are sown in the spring season.
These seeds can be planted indoors when the temperature 64-91 degree F is the best. Sunflower seeds, it takes 80 to 120 days to mature. As the cold should last 2 weeks before planting seeds.
Mix Shallow fertilizer when planting, it encourages the strong root, at the blooming time it will protect from the wind.
5 to 6 weeks after you can enjoy flower bloom continuously.
Do not seeds more than1 inch deep, about 6 Inches apart in the warmer temperature.
If you see the birds hovering over seeds, spread netting all over the top of the planting area until seeds germinate.

Sunflower care

Sunflower is fond of water, so they must be watered regularly.
But should take care of over watering it can cause root rot, this is not well drainage the water.
Helianthus annuus are very drought tolerant, so you will not have water for a while will not damage the plant.
Its flower shapes and plant length is large, strong winds damage it. To increase the stability and strength of the plant can support Bamboo sticks. Bamboo canes you will easily find on the market. You may wish to plant near the fence or wall.
It is much tastier, and attract animals and insects to come. This can cause damage to it.

Harvesting

30 to 45 days after bloom flowers tilts downwards. The sunflower head appears entirely black. The remarkably deep brown color is changed to green seeds. The sunflower harvest is ready.
Harvest the seeds after they have a warm, dry place that is well ventilated with a footed stem should hang, which could protect it from squirrels and birds.
Harvest seed heads take it out of the water, preventing distortion of the cast for a few weeks leave safely.
The seeds should be dried completely crush the seeds aside. Or, you can use a stiff brush to get the seeds.

Insects and Diseases

Helianthus annuus plants are relatively insects free. Sunflower plants are healthy if fully automatically to protect themselves from pests. Yes, it is required to save the birds and squirrels, because the seeds are very tasty. Hence planting the place where you can protect it from animals. Downy mildew, rust, and powdery mildew susceptible plants can also appear to prevent this fungicide spray.

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