How to Grow Sunflowers
With their tall gold blooms that thrive in warm weather, particularly late spring and early summer, sunflowers are a great way to brighten up your garden. Learn how to grow sunflowers in this video by The Home Depot:
Here’s what you need to get started:
- Watering can
- Wood mulch
- Flower seeds
- Flower fertilizer
- Gardening gloves
- Fungicide
- Garden tools
- Garden stakes
- Netting
1. Prepare planting area: Choose a location with plenty of space, direct sunlight and good drainage. You may need to stake and shelter your sunflowers if strong winds or harsh weather conditions are common in your area.
2. Plant seed: You’ll want to plant large variety sunflower seeds at least six inches apart. Varieties like “mammoth” or “teddy bear” are great tall stalk options. For smaller blooms, plant them 2-3 inches apart. Be sure to press the seeds two inches deep into the soil, then water.
3. Feed sunflowers: Add fertilizer to strengthen the sunflowers at their roots. Water them once a week with 3-4 gallons of water. Plant food can also be added to the soil for additional nutrients.
4. Protect plantings: You can add barriers to help grow and protect your sunflowers and protect blooms during windy conditions. They also help protect sunflowers from squirrels, birds and deer. Barrier options include tall plastic netting, wire fencinr or garden fleece. You should also apply a fungicide to prevent common diseases like mold, rust and mildew (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application).
5. Mulch area: Monitor your sunflowers’ growth in mulch as needed to help retain the soil’s moisture. Mulching also helps to prevent weeds.
