About this product
- Season:All Seasons
- Seeds Type:Sunflower
- Packaging Type:Refill Pouch
Product description
Giant Sunflowers need to be grown in full sun. Soil conditions can vary, from average to rich soil. To produce optimum growth, the soil should be very rich. The richer the soil, the better the plant growth. The soil should also be well drained. Dig a hole two to three feet deep. Fill it with layers of compost, regular garden soil, and manure. This will help to promote optimum plant growth. One of the important ingredients to fueling giant growth, is a regular supply of fertilizer. Begin your fertilizer regimen with a high nitrogen formula.
If you are growing sunflowers for record height, continue the high nitrogen formula all season long. For big blooms, switch to a high phosphorous formula, as the plant nears its expected height, and the flower head begins to form. Give your plants a regular supply of water. Deeply water your plants, to assure it gets to all of the roots. Do not allow the soil to dry out. And do not soak the soil. Staking giant sunflower plants is very important. These tall, heavy plants are susceptible to falling over on windy days. The stake doesn't have to be
as tall as the plant. But it should be several feet tall and anchored firmly into the ground. Harvest sunflower seeds after the bloom has dies. Check a seed or two.
Squeeze it to see if it is hard and full. If hollow or soft, it is not ready. The trick is to get them when they are mature, and before the birds get to the seeds.
Planting jumbo sunflowers can be a fun and rewarding project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you grow these tall and impressive flowers:
1. Select a Suitable Location
•Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun, as sunflowers need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
•Soil: They prefer well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Sandy or loamy soil works best.
•Clear the Area: Remove weeds, rocks, and debris from the planting area.
•Soil Amendment: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
•Spacing: Plant seeds about 1-2 inches deep and 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety. For jumbo sunflowers, aim for 12-18 inches apart to allow ample room for growth.
•Row Orientation: If planting in rows, space them about 2-3 feet apart.
•Initial Watering: Water the seeds thoroughly after planting.
•Regular Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate. Once established, sunflowers are fairly drought-tolerant but will benefit from regular watering during dry spells.
•Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
•Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to minimize competition for nutrients and water.
•Fertilization: If your soil is low in nutrients, consider applying a balanced fertilizer once the plants are a few inches tall.
•If you're growing particularly tall varieties, you may need to stake them to prevent them from toppling over in strong winds.
8. Pest and Disease Management
•Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and sunflower beetles. If needed, use organic insecticides or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation to prevent diseases.
•Timing: Harvest the heads when the back of the flower head turns yellow, and the seeds begin to harden. This is typically 70-100 days after planting.
•Method: Cut the flower heads off with a sharp knife, leaving a few inches of stem. If you want to save seeds, allow the heads to dry in a cool, dark place before extracting the seeds.