Sunflowers

Sunflowers

 Growing Sunflowers – Location

·        It is quite common to see people growing sunflowers next to a house wall or other shaded supported structure, but this not as advantageous as an open area.

·        When growing sunflowers it is important that the planting location receive as much sun as possible, at least 6 to 8 hours a day.

·        In theory this means that a southern house wall (if you live in the northern hemisphere) is quite sufficient, although a more freestanding location is preferable.

 Growing Sunflowers – Soil and Water

·        Each season you grow sunflowers, you will grow taller, stronger flowers if you prepare your soil.

·        Dig compost or manure into the planting bed to a depth of about 2 to 3 feet.

·        Your soil will have to be loose enough for the water to be able to drain but still firm enough so that the sunflower will not tip as it sways in the wind fully grown.

·        Although the sunflower enjoys water, you should not water a sunflower too much, since this will contribute to root rot and may loosen the soil to the extent that the sunflower will fall.

·        When growing sunflowers you do not need to concern yourself with fertilizing since the sunflower is quite capable of taking care of itself.

·        If you wish, you can use a liquid fertilizer (such as Miracle Gro) once every two weeks, taking care to pour the solution around the sunflower, not directly on the stem of the plant.

·        Sunflowers are capable of growing in poor soils, but generally flourish in the soil of the average garden.

 Growing Sunflowers – Harvesting

·        If you plan to enjoy the fruits of your labor of growing sunflowers, you will need to learn how to harvest them.

·        When the backside of the sunflower heads turn yellow you will need to protect them from birds, squirrels and other animals that enjoy sunflower seeds.

·        The best way is to do that is to cover the head with a normal brown paper bag.

·        Once the back of the sunflowers head has turned brown it means harvest-time has arrived.

·        Cut the head off around a foot down on the stem - once that is done all you have to do is rub the head using your hand and the seeds will fall off.

·        Sunflower seeds are simply one of the greatest things about growing sunflowers and can be used in a wide variety of dishes or eaten as a healthy snack.

 Sunspot Sunflower

·        Spacing: 6 - 8 inches ·        Sun/Shade: Full Sun ·        Germination: 10 - 14 days at 68-86  degrees F ·        Days To Maturity: 80 days ·        Color: Yellow

·        Foliage: Large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves

·        Plants that get only 18" tall and have an average head size of 8".

·        Great plants for the outside edge of a sunflower garden.

·        Bird farmers may find Sunspot Sunflowers provide a great natural type food and cover for pheasants and other upland game birds.

·        Sunspot Sunflowers are drought and heat tolerant easy to grow, great for kids and containers too.

·        Plant Sunspot Sunflower when soil reaches 66-68 degrees.

·        Tolerates many soil conditions but thrives in well drained fertile soil.

Velvet Queen Sunflower

                                                               

·        Velvet Queen is part of the Helianthus genus. Its scientific name is Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen'.

·        Velvety, dark mahogany-red petals with an almost black center.

·        Well branched, free-flowering plants with strong stems make this an ideal sunflower for borders or cut flowers.

·        Seeds are great for birds.

·        Plants grow 5-7' tall.

·        Velvet Queen is known for growing to a height of approximately 70.20".  

·        Ensure a distance 4.68" between seeds when sowing - bury at a depth of at least 0.49" deep.

·        Position in a full sun location and remember to apply water fairly sparingly.

·        Keep in mind when planting that Velvet Queen is thought of as half hardy, so it will need cloching or fleece protection when the temperature dips.

·        Use USDA Hardiness Zones 4 - 9 as your guideline for the appropriate climate for this plant.

·        Velvet Queen requires a soil PH of 5.7 - 8.1 meaning it does best in acidic to alkaline soil.

·        By our calculations, you should look at sowing this variety about 21 days before your last frost date.

Mexican Torch Sunflower

                                                                 

·        The Mexican sunflower Tithonia rotundifolia is also known as Tithonia rotundiflora as both the flowers and the leaves are rounded in shape.

·        Mexican sunflower Torch will grow into a 5 foot bush in one growing season.

·        Torch produces 3 inch wide deep orange blooms continuously from summer to frost.

·        'Torch' is a quick-growing annual that produces vivid red or orange-red dahlia-like flowers from mid-summer on. Its leaves are somewhat attractive, being dark green and lobed.

·        Plants can reach up to 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide in just a few months.

·        Bright flowers, sturdy plants, vigorous growth.

·        'Torch' makes a good cut flower.

·        Provide well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun.

·        Stake if necessary and shelter from strong winds.

·        Grows best in hot, sunny weather.

·        Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date and plant out after danger of frost has passed.  

·        Sow directly into garden in late spring.

·        Avoid exposing seedlings to cold.

·        Slugs and snails, but nothing serious.

Evening Sun Sunflower

                                                    

·        Belonging to the Helianthus genus (Helianthus annuus 'Evening Sun)

·        Evening Sun grows as an annual.

·        Evening Sun is known for growing to a height of approximately 58.50".

·        Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 4.68" and sow at a depth of around 0.49".

·        A full sun position will ensure your plant thrives and remember to water often.

·        Keep in mind when planting that Evening Sun is thought of as half hardy, so remember to protect this plant from frosts and low temperatures.

·        Use USDA Hardiness Zones 4 - 9 as your guideline for the appropriate climate for this plant. A soil PH of between 5.7 and 8.1 is ideal for Evening Sun as it does best in acidic to alkaline soil.

·        By our calculations, you should look at sowing this variety about 21 days before your last frost date.

Autumn Beauty Mix

·        A mix of sunflowers in warm shades of orange, yellow, bronze and red.

·        Multi-branched plants

·        A tall border plant in flower and vegetable gardens.

·        Blooms are strong-stemmed and 4-6"

·        Provide full sun and well-drained soils.

·        Flowers from seed in 80-90 days.

·        Annual

·        Uses: Borders, Cut Flowers

·        Full Sun

·        Height: 5-6 feet

·        Spread: 8-12 inches

·        Sowing Method: Direct Sow/Indoor Sow

·        Bloom Duration: 7 weeks

Vanilla Ice

·        Vanilla Ice belongs to the Helianthus genus (Helianthus annuus 'Vanilla Ice').

·        Very light yellow rays with small centers.

·        Height 4 to 5 ft.

·        Space at least 4.68" and sow at a depth of around 0.49".  

·        Enjoys full sun

·        Water often.

·        Vanilla Ice is thought of as half hardy, so remember to protect this plant from frosts and low temperatures.

·        USDA Hardiness Zones 4 - 9.

·        Soil PH between 5.7 and 8.1 as Vanilla Ice is an acidic to alkaline soil loving plant.

·        Sow this variety about 21 days before your last frost date.

Aztec Gold Hybrid

·        Aztec Gold Hybrid is part of the Helianthus genus; scientific name is Helianthus annuus 'Aztec Gold Hybrid'.

·        Grows to a height of approximately 58.50".

·        Look to ensure a distance 4.68" between seeds when sowing - bury at a depth of at least 0.49" deep.

·        Enjoys full sun.

·        Water often.

·        The Aztec Gold Hybrid is thought of as half hardy, so it will need cloching or fleece protection when the temperature dips.

·        USDA Hardiness Zones 4 - 9.

·        Soil PH between 5.7 and 8.1 meaning it does best in acidic to alkaline soil.

·        Sow this variety about 21 days before your last frost date.

Jade Hybrid

·        Lime-green blossoms with jade and cream centers

·        Flowers 4-5" width

·        Branching plants 4-5’ tall

·        Annual

·        Uses: Borders, Cut Flowers

·        Sun: Full Sun

·        Spread: 8-12 inches

·        Sowing Method: Direct Sow/Indoor Sow

·        Bloom Duration: 7 weeks

Mammoth



·        'Mammoth' is a Sunflower variety in the Helianthus genus with a scientific name of Helianthus annuus.

·        Mammoth is known for growing to a height of approximately 58.50".

·        Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 4.68" and sow at a depth of around 0.49”.

·        Position in a full sun location and remember to water moderately.

·        Keep in mind when planting that Mammoth is thought of as half hardy, so remember to protect this plant from frosts and low temperatures.

·        Use USDA Hardiness Zones 4 - 9.

·        Try to keep the ph of your soil between the range of 5.7 and 8.1 as Mammoth likes to be in acidic to alkaline soil.

·        Sow this variety about 21 days before your last frost date.

Tarahumara



·        This rare and unusual sunflower variety gets its name from the Tarahumara people of northern Mexico although it is also thought to have originated with the Mennonites of Canada.

·        This sunflower has large 8-10" blooms that have distinctly green centers when in full bloom.

·        Robust 6-8' stalks produce one enormous head with unusual and delicious white edible seeds.

·        Solid gold flowers are 8-10" in diameter.

·        Primarily ivory-colored edible seeds with an occasional striped seed.

·        Tolerant of poor conditions.

·        Plants grow 6-9' tall.

·        Annual, 80 days.

·        Sow in full sun to light shade.