Annual sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) must be resown every spring. The plants are not hardy and are generally only cared for in the garden for one season. How to sow sunflowers correctly and what to consider when sowing.

Since sunflowers grow very large, they must not be sown too densely

When to sow sunflowers outdoors?

Sunflowers should only be sown directly outdoors when the soil is no longer too cold. If even more severe frosts occur after sowing, the seeds often do not germinate. If the first plants have already sprouted, they quickly freeze again during night frosts.

Therefore, wait until the end of April before sowing the sunflowers.

In order for the sunflowers to bloom earlier, it is worth giving preference to sunflowers in the house. The seeds can then be sown in seed trays from the beginning of March.

Sowing outdoors

  • Deeply loosen the soil
  • Work in tires compost or horn shavings (32.93€).
  • Plant seeds in the ground
  • Cover with soil
  • Possibly put a layer of leaves on top

The distance between the sunflowers should be between 40 and 70 centimetres, depending on the later size of the sunflower variety.

Plant three to five seeds two to three centimeters deep in the soil and then cover them. Keep the seed site moderately moist.

As soon as the seedlings have formed the first pairs of leaves, all the weaker sunflowers are pinched off so that only the strongest plant remains.

Prefer sunflowers in the house

Prepare a seed tray or small pots for sowing sunflowers indoors. Plant three to five seeds into the soil at least five centimeters apart.

The sowing depth should be about two centimeters. Cover the sowing and set the jars warm and bright.

After emergence, as with outdoor sowing, the weaker plants are cut. Place the leftover sunflowers in individual pots. Keep the pots moist but not too wet.

Plant out after the ice saints

Since the sunflower does not tolerate frost at all, keep the plants that have been brought forward indoors until mid or late May.

After the ice saints, you can plant the small sunflowers in the desired location in the garden or in a bucket on the terrace.

If, contrary to expectations, it gets really cold again, put plant hats over the young plants.

Don't plant too densely

Sunflowers are heavy feeders and need a lot of nutrients. Since they can also grow very large, the roots must have enough space. Sunflowers should therefore not be planted too densely.

Keep a planting distance of at least 40 to 70 centimeters. You should never grow more than four sunflowers per square meter.

tips and tricks

You can also sow perennial sunflowers, but propagation works better by dividing the perennials. Since the perennials form many runners, you can also use them to propagate the sunflowers.

Category:

Vegetable garden