Sunflowers

Planting sunflowers

Sow directly after the last frost when soil has warmed. Successive sowings every 2 weeks extend the bloom period.

Planting details

• Choose a site sheltered from strong wind
• Spacing: 12 to 24 inches depending on the variety
• Seed depth: about 1 inch

Growing requirements

Sunflowers need full sun and average, well-drained soil. Water deeply but infrequently once established, and stake tall varieties in exposed sites.

Harvesting and care

Cut blooms for arrangements when petals begin to open. For seed, leave heads to dry on the stalk until the back of the head turns brown, then harvest before birds do.

Common mistakes

• Overfertilizing, which produces leafy stalks and weak stems instead of large heads
• Planting too close, which reduces head size and airflow
• Watering lightly every day instead of soaking deeply once or twice a week

Companion plants

Sunflowers can anchor the edge of a vegetable bed. Give them space so tall stalks do not shade shorter crops.