How to Plant, Grow & Harvest Sunflowers in Your Garden 🌻

Summary

In this video, Kelly Lehmann from Cranberry Fields Flower Farms shares expert tips on how to plant, grow, and harvest sunflowers. She explains the concept of succession planting, the importance of spacing for flower size, and how to properly water and care for sunflowers. Kelly also demonstrates how to thin seedlings to encourage healthy growth. For harvesting, she advises cutting sunflowers just before they reach full bloom to extend vase life. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful insights, this video is perfect for anyone looking to grow their own sunflowers at home.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sunflowers thrive in sunny spots, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to grow well.
• 🌱 Direct seeding sunflowers into the soil after the last frost is the easiest and most effective method.
• 🌼 Succession planting is key—plant sunflower seeds every few weeks for continuous blooms at different times.
• 🌾 Sunflowers can be planted closer together for smaller flower heads, or spaced further apart for larger blooms.
• 🌻 Smaller sunflower varieties like Pro Cut Orange and Bicolor are ideal for bouquets with medium-sized heads.
• 💧 Keep the soil moist during germination with about 1 inch of water per week, but avoid soaking the seeds.
• ☀️ Once sunflowers are established, they are drought-tolerant and can survive in hot, dry conditions.
• 🌻 Thinning is necessary if seedlings are too close together, allowing for healthier, stronger growth.
• ⏳ Harvest sunflowers just before the blooms fully open to extend their vase life by 3–4 days.
• ✂️ When cutting sunflowers, use sharp scissors to cut at a diagonal angle for better water absorption.
• 🌿 Strip leaves off the stems before placing sunflowers in a vase to prevent bacterial growth in the water.

Q & A

What is the best time to plant sunflowers in New Jersey (zone 6)?

The best time to plant sunflowers in New Jersey (zone 6) is after the last frost, typically around May. This ensures that the soil has warmed up and there’s no more risk of frost.

Can I start sunflowers indoors before planting them outside?

While some people start sunflowers indoors in pots, the video suggests that it's easier to direct seed them directly into the soil once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

How much sunlight do sunflowers need to grow properly?

Sunflowers need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Make sure they are planted in a location where they can get continuous sunlight throughout their growth.

What is succession planting, and how can I apply it to sunflowers?

Succession planting involves planting seeds at different intervals so that they mature at different times. For sunflowers, you can plant 20 seeds one week, then wait 2-3 weeks and plant another batch. This will allow you to have sunflowers blooming at different stages.

How far apart should I space sunflower seeds for smaller or larger heads?

For smaller sunflower heads, space the seeds about 1-2 inches apart. For larger heads, space them 6-8 inches apart to give them more room to grow.

How often should sunflowers be watered after planting?

Sunflowers need about 1 inch of water per week, especially when they are just starting to grow. If there’s no rain, ensure you water them to keep the soil moist, but avoid soaking the seeds.

What should I do if my sunflower seedlings are too close together?

If your seedlings are too close together, you should thin them out. This allows the remaining plants to get enough sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to stronger and healthier flowers.

When is the best time to harvest sunflowers for maximum vase life?

The best time to harvest sunflowers is when the blooms are just beginning to open, but are not fully open yet. This stage helps extend the vase life by 3-4 extra days compared to harvesting when they are fully bloomed.

How should sunflowers be cut to maximize water absorption?

Sunflowers should be cut at an angle, not straight across, to increase the surface area for water absorption. This allows them to take in more water, which helps keep them fresh longer in a vase.

Why is it important to remove leaves from sunflower stems before placing them in water?

Removing leaves from sunflower stems is important because leaves submerged in water can cause bacteria to grow, which can shorten the flower's vase life.