How to plant sunflower seeds
Today's focus is on introducing you to the experience of planting sunflower seeds and the related skills of sunflower sowing time and methods in flower cultivation. Here is a comprehensive introduction.
Sunflowers, also known as large flower purslane, are characterized by thick leaves, graceful plant shape, and bright flower colors, making them highly ornamental. Moreover, sunflowers have a particularly strong vitality, can be propagated by cutting, and are also very easy to grow from seeds. Therefore, many people enjoy keeping a pot on their balcony. When is the best time to plant sunflower seeds? What are the planting methods for sunflower seeds? Let's find out together.
Sunflowers, also known as large flower purslane, are characterized by thick leaves, graceful plant shape, and bright flower colors, making them highly ornamental. Moreover, sunflowers have a particularly strong vitality, can be propagated by cutting, and are also very easy to grow from seeds. Therefore, many people enjoy keeping a pot on their balcony. When is the best time to plant sunflower seeds? What are the planting methods for sunflower seeds? Let's find out together.
When is the best time to plant sunflower seeds?
Usually, the suitable sowing time for sunflowers is from April to September every year. If you plan to save seeds, April is the best time. When sowing, insert the pointed end of the sunflower seed vertically into the center and then cover it with soil. Water moderately to keep the soil moist, and the seeds will germinate in about 5 days.
Planting methods for sunflower seeds
1. Pre-planting preparation
Sunflower seeds are very small, with about 8,400 seeds per gram. Seed trays are commonly used for sowing, with a light covering of fine vermiculite, or just slightly pressing after sowing to ensure adequate moisture.
2. Soil requirements
Sunflowers are highly adaptable and can even thrive in poor soil. However, for better cultivation, it is best to choose sandy soil, which has good looseness and drainage, meeting the normal growth needs of sunflowers.
3. Sowing method
When sowing, insert the pointed end of the sunflower seed vertically into the center and then cover it with soil. Water moderately to keep the soil moist, and the seeds will germinate in about 5 days. The optimal germination temperature for sunflower seeds is 21-24°C, and seedlings will emerge in about 7-10 days. Since the seedlings are very fragile, maintaining a higher temperature will promote rapid growth.
4. Management after seedlings emerge
(1) Sunlight: If the sunflower seeds are not expired, the germination rate after sowing is very high. After germination, make sure they get plenty of sunlight, as insufficient light can lead to etiolation, which can be problematic.
(2) Watering: Do not water too frequently or directly. You can water by immersion, as direct watering can easily wash away the seedlings. Water only when the potting soil is dry, just enough to keep the soil moist.
(3) Fertilization: Sunflowers do not require a high amount of nutrients. During regular cultivation, you can occasionally sprinkle some compound fertilizer and apply some phosphorus and potassium fertilizer about half a month before the flowering period.
5. Transplanting and planting
Wait until the sunflower seedlings have grown about 5 true leaves before transplanting. You can plant them in the ground or in pots. After transplanting, water the plants. After shading and ventilating for a day, ensure they get plenty of sunlight and fertilize once a week with a balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound water-soluble fertilizer.
6. Flower management
During the flowering period, artificial pollination is often required to increase seed production. Pollination is usually done around 10 a.m. every day and can be performed 2-3 times. Introduce bees one week before flowering, with one beehive every 5 mu (about 3,300 square feet), and gently touching two flower disks together also works.
In summary, sunflowers can be directly propagated from seeds, with simple and easy planting methods, and they do not require frequent watering, making them convenient to manage. Finally, note that the seeds easily scatter when the flower disks mature, so they should be harvested in time.
The above is a specific introduction on how to plant sunflower seeds, as well as the sowing time and methods. I hope it brings some knowledge about flowers to greenery enthusiasts.