Sunflowers in pots or buckets look very decorative on the balcony or terrace. But they will only thrive if they are properly cared for. What you need to consider when caring for the popular summer flower in the pot.
How do you properly care for a sunflower in a pot?
Optimal care for sunflowers in pots includes daily watering without waterlogging, weekly fertilizing with nitrogen-based fertilizer and an airy, warm location. Repotting and cutting is not necessary for annual sunflowers. Be aware of possible diseases and pests.
How to water the sunflower in the pot?
Sunflowers in pots need a lot of water. Daily watering is mandatory. But make sure that there is no waterlogging.
The plant pot should always have a drainage hole and stand on a saucer. Place a piece of clay on the trigger hole to prevent it from becoming clogged.
Excess irrigation water should be poured out as soon as possible.
How often does the potted sunflower need to be fertilized?
As a heavy feeder, the sunflower in the pot needs a lot of nutrients. Fertilize at least once a week with a nitrogen-based fertilizer.
Ripe compost, horn shavings or nettle manure are ideal.
You can also fertilize sunflowers in pots with liquid fertilizer (€15.00 at Amazon) from the gardening store, as the hormone-treated seeds of small sunflower varieties should not be eaten anyway.
Can the plants be repotted?
Sunflowers are annual plants. They are usually not repotted. Only if the planter is much too small should you place the flower in a larger container or, if possible, plant it outdoors.
Do sunflowers need to be cut in pots?
Annual sunflowers do not need to be cut at all. Withered flower heads can remain on the stem, where they ripen on their own.
If you want to dry sunflowers, cut only those flowers that are not yet fully open on the driest possible day.
What diseases and pests can occur?
Leaf spot, powdery mildew, downy mildew and various fungal diseases can cause problems for sunflowers. However, diseases rarely occur in an airy, warm location.
You should pay attention to these pests:
- Lice
- Thrips
- Bugs
- leaf miner
- Caterpillars
Can sunflowers overwinter in pots?
Most sunflowers are annuals. Only perennials need to be overwintered frost-free.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to grow sunflowers in pots, you should prefer small varieties. “Double Dandy”, “Teddy Bear” or “Yellow Kid” are well suited. But remember that the seeds have been treated and the seeds collected from the flowers usually do not germinate.
