Sunflowers Fast Facts

Overview

Towering, sunny stalks of sunflowers are remark way to adorn beds in your country garden. Birds, bees and butterflies will flock to these honey-colored circular flowers, and their warm, fuzzy appearance will certainly add a splash of bold color to pots and beds.

Planting

Sunflower seeds are sown directly into the garden after a dampening of the soil. Giant varieties should be spaced about 3 feet apart, mid-size need 2 feet in between, and the smaller variety should be planted about a foot apart. Plant in a location that gets direct sunlight.

Growing and Care

All sunflower plants do well in rich soils. Fertilizer promotes bigger, fuller blooms. Water daily when temperatures are high. Otherwise a good soak a couple of times per week should be efficient.

Harvesting the Seeds

Sunflowers produce edible seeds. Cut off the head of the plant once the flower starts to die. Hang the stalks to dry, and extract the seeds by rubbing the flower heads together.

To Prune or Not to Prune?

Don't prune back a healthy sunflower. However if there is a grouping of sunflowers and one is leaning upon the others, cut the problematic plant back to avoid toppling plants.

Protecting Your Sunflowers

Keep an eye out for birds and other rodents who like to munch on the flowers and the seeds. Ants are often times attracted to the sweet nectar of the plant.

Photo by: Tanaka Juuyoh, Flickr, Creative Commons, Unhindered by Talent, Flickr, Creative Commons, L. Marie, Flickr, Creative Commons