A garden in summer without sunflowers – that is unthinkable for gardeners close to nature. The tall summer flowers are not only beautiful to look at, they also provide perfect sun protection on the terrace. This is how sunflowers grow in the garden or in the pot.
Where and when should you plant sunflowers?
Sunflowers should be planted in a sunny, warm, wind-protected location with moist, well-drained soil. The best planting time is from the end of April for seeds and the end of May for early plants. Planting distances vary depending on the size of the variety.
Are sunflowers annual or perennial?
The sunflower Helianthus anuus is an annual plant. Once the flower has finished blooming, the sunflower's lifespan is over.
There are also sunflower perennials that can be kept perennial. However, these are rather small and often have to be kept frost-free over the winter.
Are sunflowers hardy?
Sunflowers are not hardy. They have to be re-sown every year.
Do sunflowers contain toxins?
No, sunflowers do not contain any toxins in their roots, leaves, stems or flowers. Growing sunflowers in the garden or on the balcony is therefore safe, even if children and pets are part of the family.
However, only the seeds of the sunflower are used for cooking and for oil production. Since sunflowers absorb pollutants from the soil, they are often grown as soil improvers.
However, the sunflowers grown in this way are no longer suitable for consumption due to the high level of pollutants. This also applies to the cores.
Where can sunflowers be planted?
You can plant sunflowers in the garden or grow them in a pot on the terrace or balcony. However, when cared for in a pot, the flowers do not grow very tall. It is better to choose small varieties straight away.
Small varieties are treated with hormones to keep them nice and low. It is better not to use the seeds of these varieties in the kitchen.
Which location is best for sunflowers?
- As sunny as possible
- Warm place
- Protected from the wind
- Moist but permeable soil
As the name suggests, sunflowers are real sun worshipers. The sunnier they are, the more beautiful the flowers will be. Only as a cut flower in a vase, the flower does not tolerate direct sun well.
What should the earth be like?
Sunflowers are heavy feeders. They need a lot of nutrients. Supply the planting sites with ripe compost or horn shavings (€32.00 on Amazon) and fertilize regularly once or twice a week.
The flower likes it moist. It must not dry out completely. However, the moisture must not accumulate in the ground. Therefore, loosen soil that is too firm before planting.
When is the best time to plant?
From the end of April you can sow sunflowers directly outdoors. You should not plant early plants before the end of May, as night frosts can still occur until then.
How are sunflowers sown and planted?
The seeds are placed three grains at a time approximately two centimeters deep into the soil outdoors or in a pot.
After emergence, the weaker plants are cut off.
Plant early sunflowers in the soil so that the root ball is well covered. For large varieties, set up a plant support straight away to which you can later tie the sunflower.
At what distance should the plants be planted?
In the open field, the planting distance depends on the size of the sunflower variety. A planting distance of 50 to 70 centimeters is normal. For very small varieties it may be shorter; for giant sunflowers it should be at least one meter.
Should sunflowers be preferred?
It takes some time for the sunflower to develop its first flowers. It is therefore worth sowing the seeds indoors from March onwards.
The plants will have a good head start when you plant them out at the end of May.
When is the sunflower blooming time?
The flowering period of sunflowers begins in July, and if the weather is good and the flowers are early, even in June. It lasts until October or until the first frost sets in.
When are the sunflower seeds harvested?
Sunflower seeds are ready to harvest in autumn. If possible, leave them on the plant to allow them to mature properly. To protect yourself from birds, you should tie a cloth around it.
You can also dry the kernels indoors. To do this, hang the flower baskets upside down in a not too warm, dry and airy place until they have dried.
How are sunflowers propagated?
Sunflowers are only propagated from seeds. Unfortunately, commercially purchased varieties are often hybrids that no longer produce germinable seeds. You have to buy new species like this every year.
Do sunflowers get along with other plants?
Sunflowers remove a lot of nutrients from the soil, leaving little left for other flowers. You should therefore keep sunflowers as solitary plants.
Some vegetables don't get along well with sunflowers. You should never plant the flowers next to potatoes and tomatoes.
Tips & Tricks
Growing sunflowers in the garden not only provides food and shelter for birds, but also for other beneficial insects. In addition, the roots of the summer flower sustainably improve the soil when they rot in the ground over winter.
