What To Know
- Allow the seeds to dry on a paper towel or in a sunny spot for a few days.
- Cut the flower heads from the plants and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place for a few weeks.
- Once the seeds are completely dry, remove them from the heads and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
If you’ve ever received a bouquet of sunflowers and marveled at their vibrant blooms, you may have wondered if it’s possible to plant them and grow your own. The answer is a resounding yes! With a little patience and care, you can transform those bouquet blooms into a thriving sunflower garden. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you embark on this rewarding journey:
Selecting the Right Seeds
Not all sunflowers are created equal. Some varieties are better suited for planting from bouquets than others. Look for varieties that are labeled as “cut-and-come-again” or “long-stemmed.” These varieties produce multiple blooms on each stem, making them ideal for bouquets and subsequent planting.
Preparing the Seeds
Once you’ve selected your sunflower seeds, it’s time to prepare them for planting. Start by removing the seeds from the flower heads. Gently rub the heads between your fingers to loosen the seeds. Rinse the seeds with water to remove any debris or remaining pulp. Allow the seeds to dry on a paper towel or in a sunny spot for a few days.
Choosing the Right Location
Sunflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be loose and have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
Planting the Seeds
Plant the seeds in the spring when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). Dig holes about 1 inch deep and spaced 6 to 12 inches apart. Place two or three seeds in each hole and cover them with soil. Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Germination and Seedlings
Sunflower seeds typically germinate within 7 to 10 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out to one plant per hole. Choose the strongest and healthiest seedling in each hole. Water the seedlings regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Watering and Fertilizing
Sunflowers are thirsty plants, so water them deeply and regularly. Water at the base of the plants to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can promote disease. Fertilize the sunflowers every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Supporting the Plants
As the sunflowers grow, they will need support to prevent them from toppling over. Install stakes or trellises next to the plants and gently tie the stems to the supports.
Harvesting the Seeds
Sunflowers are ready to harvest when the back of the flower heads turn brown and the seeds are plump and full. Cut the flower heads from the plants and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place for a few weeks. Once the seeds are completely dry, remove them from the heads and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
With a little care and attention, you can successfully plant sunflowers from a bouquet and enjoy their vibrant blooms for seasons to come. Whether you use the seeds to grow more sunflowers or save them for birdseed, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve created something beautiful and sustainable.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Can I plant any type of sunflower from a bouquet?
Not all sunflowers are suitable for planting from bouquets. Choose varieties that are labeled as “cut-and-come-again” or “long-stemmed.”
2. How long does it take for sunflower seeds from a bouquet to germinate?
Sunflower seeds typically germinate within 7 to 10 days.
3. How often should I water sunflowers?
Water sunflowers deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
4. Do sunflowers need to be fertilized?
Yes, fertilize sunflowers every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
5. How tall can sunflowers from a bouquet grow?
The height of sunflowers from a bouquet will depend on the variety. Some varieties can reach heights of up to 12 feet.
6. How can I prevent sunflowers from toppling over?
Install stakes or trellises next to the plants and gently tie the stems to the supports.
7. When are sunflowers ready to harvest?
Sunflowers are ready to harvest when the back of the flower heads turn brown and the seeds are plump and full.
8. How can I store sunflower seeds?
Store sunflower seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
