How to plant sunflowers

The Helianthus annuus , sunflower as we all know, is an herb that originated in Mexico and Peru. It is a very popular plant in urban plantations and gardens, both for the consumption of its seeds, sunflower seeds, and for its great visual and aesthetic value, since its floral rosette is very large and striking. In addition, in the orchards they have the ability to improve the production of the same.

If you want to learn how to plant sunflowers , as well as the best way to care for this annual plant at home, keep reading this article.

How to plant sunflowers step by step

The first thing is to choose which variety interests you. Some, like the Maximilian, are ornamental, while others are more suitable for seed production. The good thing is that practically all of them have the ability to attract many pollinating insects, something very beneficial for your other plants. 

Below we offer you a list so that you know the different types of sunflowers so that you can get a better idea of ​​which one is best for you, although we always recommend you consult with the professional of the store where you buy the gardening or horticultural material.

Sunflower seeds can be sown directly outdoors , but it is more advisable to germinate sunflower seeds in the seedbed to maximize the chances of success:

  1. Prepare a seedbed if you don’t already have one. You can use seedlings or any other plastic container such as cups or yogurt.
  2. Use a substrate made with part coconut fiber, part peat, and part worm castings .
  3. Soak the sunflower seeds or seeds in water for an hour before planting the seeds, which you can distribute in pairs or trios in your seedbeds.
  4. Leave them on the surface of the ground, horizontally, and then cover them with a thin layer of substrate.
  5. Finally, water to moisten the entire substrate.

In about 10 days, you should see the first seeds germinate, and about 10-20 days later, when the temperatures are warm enough, it will be time to transplant them to their final location.

How to sow sunflowers - How to sow sunflowers step by step

How to plant sunflowers step by step

Once the sunflower seeds or seeds are germinated, it is time to plant the small plants in their final location so that they continue to grow.

When to plant sunflowers

Towards mid-spring it will be the right time to transplant your sunflowers to the vegetable garden, garden or their final pot. By doing so, from the seedbed, we advance the entire process, thereby ensuring the success of the crop.

How to plant sunflowers step by step

  1. Prepare an area with rich, very loose soil. This plant does not necessarily need soils rich in organic matter, although, of course, it does appreciate them. What is necessary is that the soil is loose and not caked.
  2. Respect about 30 cm of distance between each of your sunflowers, or up to 50 if they are large varieties.
  3. Proceed to place each sunflower plant in each hole that you have prepared with the appropriate distance and to cover the base well with more substrate to fix the plant.
  4. Water liberally after transplanting the sunflowers.
  5. Make sure to put them in a very sunny location .
How To Plant Sunflowers - How To Plant Sunflowers Step By Step

Types of sunflowers

Some of the main types of sunflowers are:

  • Giant sunflower or mammoth – this is one of the best known. It is one of those that has a more striking yellow tone, with a well-defined center of brown color and is very large.
  • Medium Sunflower – has a well defined dark brown center, many broad, dense petals, and a deep yellow hue. These striking flowers only last a few days.
  • Teddy bear sunflower: it is one of the most different types, since it has a large number of fine petals that even cover the central part, giving it a stuffed or pom-pom look. This is one of the smallest varieties, since it only reaches a maximum of one meter in height.
  • Maximilian Sunflower: this one, unlike the previous one, has fewer petals and each of them is wider. In addition, it has a smaller central part or button than other species of sunflowers .

How to care for sunflowers

Now that you know how to plant sunflowers and you can have your plant from the pipe or germinated seed, we encourage you to take note of the main sunflower care :

Light for sunflowers

The most important thing to keep in mind when caring for sunflowers, as the name suggests, is that they are located in a location where they receive a minimum of 6 hours a day of direct natural light .

Irrigation

As the plant needs so much sun, it also requires very constant watering, since it dehydrates due to light, like all of them. Water your sunflowers every so often, although you don’t have to do it with large amounts of water each time. The ideal is to maintain a moderate and constant irrigation, without flooding or keeping the ground always humid. Irrigation is also especially important in the early stages of the plant. You will know that your sunflower needs more water if its leaves begin to curl downward or if the corollas show a sign of retreating.

Soil and substrate

With regard to the soil, it is good that the plant has a depth to which it can take its roots. Organic matter is favorable but not necessary, although the contribution of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium is. Good drainage is also essential.

How to plant sunflowers

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