A garden in summer without sunflowers - that is unthinkable for natural gardeners. The high-growing summer flowers are not only beautiful to look at, they also provide perfect sun protection on the terrace. This is how sunflower cultivation works in the garden or in the tub.

Sunflowers can be grown indoors or sown directly into the bed

Are sunflowers annual or perennial?

The sunflower Helianthus anuus is an annual plant. Once the flower has finished blooming, the sunflower's lifespan is over.

There are also sunflower perennials that can be kept perennial. However, these are rather small and often have to be overwintered frost-free.

Are sunflowers hardy?

Sunflowers are not hardy. They have to be sown again every year.

Do sunflowers contain toxins?

No, sunflowers do not contain any toxins in either the roots, leaves, stems or flowers. Sunflowers can therefore be grown in the garden or on the balcony without hesitation, even if there are children and pets in the family.

However, only the kernels of the sunflower are used for cooking and oil production. Since sunflowers absorb pollutants from the soil, they are often grown as soil improvers.

However, the sunflowers grown in this way are no longer suitable for consumption due to the high level of pollution. This also applies to the cores.

Where can sunflowers be planted?

You can plant sunflowers in the garden or grow them in tubs on the patio or balcony. However, when cared for in a pot, the flowers do not grow very tall. It is better to choose small varieties right away.

Small strains are treated with hormones to keep them nice and low. It is better not to use the seeds of these varieties in the kitchen.

Which location is best for sunflowers?

  • As sunny as possible
  • Warm place
  • sheltered from the wind
  • Moist but well-drained soil

As the name suggests, sunflowers are real sun worshippers. The sunnier they are, the more beautiful the flowers will be. Only as a cut flower in a vase does the flower not tolerate direct sun well.

What should the earth be like?

Sunflowers are heavy feeders. They need a lot of nutrients. Provide the planting sites with mature compost or horn shavings (32.93€) and fertilize regularly once or twice a week.

The flower likes it wet. It must not dry out completely. However, the wetness must not accumulate in the ground. Loosen up soil that is too solid before planting.

When is the best planting time?

From the end of April you can sow sunflowers directly outdoors. Plants that have been brought forward should not be planted before the end of May, as night frosts can still occur until then.

How are sunflowers sown and planted?

The seeds are planted in groups of three about two centimeters deep in the ground outdoors or in pots.

After emergence, the weaker plants are pinched off.

Plant early sunflowers in the soil so that the root ball is well covered. For large varieties, immediately set up a plant support to which you can later attach the sunflower.

How far apart are the plants placed?

In open ground, the planting distance depends on the size of the sunflower variety. A planting distance of 50 to 70 centimeters is normal. For very small varieties it can be shorter, for giant sunflowers it should be at least one meter.

Should sunflowers be preferred?

It takes some time for the sunflower to develop the first blossoms. It is therefore worth sowing the seeds indoors as early as March.

The plants will then have a good head start when you plant them out at the end of May.

When is the sunflower flowering time?

The flowering period of the sunflower begins in July, even as early as June if the weather is good and the flowers are brought forward. It lasts until October or until the first frost sets in.

When are the sunflower seeds harvested?

Sunflower seeds are ready for harvest in autumn. If possible, leave them on the plant to allow them to mature properly. To protect against birds, you should tie a cloth around it.

You can also dry the kernels indoors. To do this, hang the flower heads upside down in a not too warm, dry and airy place until they have dried.

How are sunflowers propagated?

Sunflowers are only propagated from seeds. Unfortunately, commercially bought varieties are often hybrids that no longer produce germinable seeds. You have to buy this type every year.

Do sunflowers get along with other plants?

Sunflowers remove a lot of nutrients from the soil, leaving little for other flowers. You should therefore rather keep sunflowers as solitary plants.

Some vegetables don't get along with sunflowers at all. You should never plant the flowers next to potatoes and tomatoes.

tips and tricks

Growing sunflowers in the garden not only provides food and shelter for birds, but also for other beneficial insects. In addition, the roots of the summer flower improve the soil sustainably when they rot in the ground over winter.

Category:

Vegetable garden