Sunflower | Genus: Helianthus

Full Sun | 6 to 8 hours a day is ideal

in a location protected from the
wind.
Soil | Rich, well-drained soil.
Sow Seeds | After risk of frost has
passed.
-Minimum soil temperature: 55°F
(13°C).
Empress of Dirt -Ideal soil temperature: 70° to 75°F
(21° to 25°C).
empressofdirt.net
Sowing Instructions | Check seed packet for depth and spacing.
Click here to
subscribe to the free Protect Your Seeds
Creative gardening Mulch freshly-sown seeds to keep moisture in.
newsletter
Protect newly planted seeds with cloches, wire mesh cages, or
More Goodies anything that will keep birds, squirrels, and mice from digging up
the seeds or eating the seedlings.
Creative Ebooks
If you do cover your seeds/seedlings, be sure to check on them
Garden Merch so they have water, air flow, and light (after germinating).
Shop
Average Germination Rate | 75% = 3 out of every 4 should sprout.
Days to Maturity | 80 to 120 days.
Fertilizer | Amend soil with good compost. Can also use granular,
slow-release fertilizer as directed on product label.
Seed Source | Botanical Interests (US Only)
Giant Sunflowers Dwarf Sunflowers & Container
If you want large sunflowers, Growing
either with giant flower heads, Because sunflowers can have
or great height (or both) watch massive roots, it’s best to
for the words ‘mammoth’, choose small, dwarf varieties
‘sunzilla’, ‘giant’, ‘titan’, for container growing.
‘monster’, or ‘tall’ in the names Examples: Big Smile, Elf, Pacino,
or descriptions. This article at Sundance Kid, Sunspot, Teddy
Empress of Dirt has an extensive Bear
list of giant sunflowers.

Sunflower Growing Tips v1.0 | Empress of Dirt ©2021

Sunflower Allelopathy
Plants are sensitive to their Fun Fact
surroundings. Not just the soil quality,
amount of sun, and moisture levels, but A plant’s tendency to
which other plants are growing nearby. turn toward the sun is
In some cases, plants send out known as heliotropism.
biochemicals to try and thwart other During bud formation,
plants. This is known as allelopathy. sunflowers face the
morning sun. This
Research indicates two plants that are movement stops after
adversely affected when growing close bud stage, leaving the
to sunflowers: pole beans and potatoes. flowers in this position.
That said, so long as you follow the Watch for this when
recommendations on your seed packet you grow your own
including proper spacing, allelopathy sunflowers.
should not be a concern.
Harvest

♦ Every type of sunflower has unique traits and not all

sunflowers produce edible seeds.
♦ Sunflowers may be bred for specific colors, heights, flower
sizes, types of seed (for birds or humans), and more.
♦ Check your seed packets to see what yours has to offer.
During the main growth phase, you’ll notice that the stalks are green,
unless there is drought or disease.
Once the plant starts working on seed production, the stalks start
turning yellow.
When the seeds are ready for harvesting, the stalks are brown.
Gifts for Sunflower Fanatics
Shopping for a sunflower collector is easy! There are so many
creative gift ideas. See my list here.
If you are in the United States, Botanical Interests carries a good
variety of sunflower seeds available by mail order here (affiliate link).

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛

Sunflower Growing Tips v1.0 | Empress of Dirt ©2021