Annual sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are not hardy and do not tolerate sub-zero temperatures at all. They have to be sown and replanted every year. When is the best time to plant the popular summer flowers?

Early sunflowers are planted out from the end of May

Sow first, then plant

Sunflowers are sown first. You can sow seeds in small pots or in a seed tray indoors. You can also sow the seeds directly outdoors.

The disadvantage of sowing outdoors is that it won't be warm enough outside for the seeds to germinate until the end of April.

It is therefore advisable to grow sunflowers indoors and plant them out in the garden or in containers on the balcony at the end of May.

Prefer sunflowers in the house

Sowing indoors is possible from the beginning of March.

  • Prepare pots or seed tray
  • Put cores in the ground
  • keep soil moistured
  • Set up warm and bright

Place three to five seeds in each seed hole, as not all seeds usually sprout. The seeds germinate relatively quickly. Once the plantlets have developed two or more leaves, remove any ailing sunflowers and leave only the strongest. Repot the sunflowers if necessary.

It has proven useful to plant sunflower seeds as sprouted sprouts. Otherwise, more of the seeds will be stolen by birds.

Sow outdoors from the end of April

If you want to sow the sunflowers directly outdoors, you should wait until the end of April. Prepare the soil and sow three to five grains about two centimeters deep.

Plant out early sunflowers at the end of May

You should not plant early or pre-germinated sunflowers outdoors before the end of May. Even a brief onset of frost will cause the tender little plants to freeze to death.

You can plant out sunflowers that you want to grow in pots earlier. But bring the containers back inside when the weather forecast announces night frost.

tips and tricks

In contrast to the annual varieties, perennial sunflowers are for the most part hardy. The best time to plant perennials is August. Sunflowers planted in late summer will flower next year.

Category:

Vegetable garden