Characteristics of sunflowers
Among many ornamental plants, sunflower has become the darling of the horticulture industry due to its unique growth habits. What kind of survival wisdom does this plant, known as the "noon flower", hide? We will give you a comprehensive understanding of this fairy born in the sun, from flowering rules to maintenance details. Mysteries of flowering period of sunflowers Natural flowering characteristics Sunflowers bloom in early May and can continue to bloom until the frost season in November. The Lingnan region benefits from its warm climate and can achieve miracles of blooming throughout the year. Its flowers have light-sensitive properties and fully bloom only in direct sunlight, and remain closed in the morning or rainy weather. Photoperiod control mechanism As a typical short-day plant, the daily light duration directly affects the flowering process. Experimental data shows that when the light intensity reaches 20000 lux, the bloom of flowers increases by 40% compared with cloudy days. This is also the scientific basis for its nickname "noon flower." Sunflower's survival wisdom and drought resistance structure analysis The cylindrical fleshy leaves are like miniature water storage tanks that can store water equivalent to 30% of their own weight. The root system is more developed than imagined. The main root can penetrate into the soil by up to 50 centimeters, and the lateral root spreads out more than twice the width of the plant's crown. The environmental adaptation strategy can still maintain normal physiological activities in a high temperature environment of 35 ° C, and can tolerate short-term low temperatures of 5 ° C at night. This strong adaptability allows it to thrive in harsh environments such as rock crevices and sandy soils. Among the more than 20 varieties from single to double petals, there are mini varieties with a diameter of only 1.5 cm and giant flowers with a spread of up to 6 cm. The color spectrum covers the entire spectrum of warm color systems, and innovative varieties such as gradient two-color have been cultivated in recent years. The scientific maintenance system adopts the "dry and wet cycle" watering method to irrigate when the soil water content drops to 15%. Soil matching suggestions: 40% river sand +30% leaf soil +30% perlite. Applying slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of phosphorus and potassium of 3:1 per month during the growth period has the best effect.
Through systematic maintenance and management, sunflowers can bloom in a year-round cycle. This stubborn and beautiful plant is interpreting the miracle of life in nature with its unique survival philosophy. After mastering its growth laws, the gorgeous sea of flowers can be reproduced even on urban balconies.