Growing Sunflowers

Posted by Jane | Added on : October 15, 2008 08:35am | Last edited: October 28, 2009 12:07am | Viewed 2618 times | 0 Comments | This article is also in bushel basket

Who doesn't want to have cheerful sunflowers in the garden? Sunflowers are not so popular among beginner gardeners because they think it is not easy to grow sunflowers. Contrary to the belief, growing sunflowers is quite easy. This article tells you how.

Sunflower is called so because of its love for sun. They want at least 6 hours of sunlight to grow well. Choose an area in your garden which gets good sunlight. It is best to plant sunflowers on the land instead of pots. If you don't have open ground, then plant sunflowers in huge pots.

Before planting, add fertilizer to your garden soil. Sunflowers need fertilizers badly. Sow the seeds at least 2-3 inches deep. Sow the seeds as far away as possible, at least 2 feet apart. Water the soil immediately after sowing. Typically the seedling should appear in a week or two. Ensure that the soil is moist all the time. Once the seedling appears, water the plant at least once a day. Fertilizers should be added every two weeks.

Sunflowers are not usually bothered by pests and diseases. If you find pests around the plants, then you can spray soap water over the plant.

Once the flowers begin to fade, you can harvest the seeds. Cut the flower with a few inches of stalk. Keep them in a dry and ventilated area. Once they are completely dry, seeds can be separated very easily. You can use the dry flowers in bouquets or vases.

Sunflowers with their cheery and bright colors are a welcome addition to any garden. And they are easy to grow. No reason why your garden should not benefit from these lovely flowers.