Sunflower: Growing from seed and care

The sunflower is one of the most radiant and joyful flowers of summer, which leaves no one untouched. Its magnificent, large flower heads turn to follow the sun, and it is this unique trait that has given the plant its name. The sunflower is popular both in flower fields, gardens, and as a cut flower, spreading a sense of late summer warmth and joy to both garden and home. Growing sunflowers from seed is simple and rewarding, and is an excellent choice even for beginners. In this article, I will share my own tips on how to grow sunflowers from seed and care for them, so you can enjoy these fantastic yellow flowers all summer long.

Growing sunflowers from seed is rewarding and relatively simple, suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Sunflower cultivation can start either by pre-sowing the seeds indoors or by sowing them directly outdoors, depending on how early you want the flowering to begin.

If you want to enjoy sunflower blooms as early as possible, it is recommended to pre-sow the seeds indoors in April. Pre-sowing gives the plants a head start, allowing them to start blooming early in the summer. Sow the seeds in small pots or seed trays with moist seed compost. Place the sowings in a bright spot and keep the soil evenly moist. When the plants are about 10-15 cm tall and the risk of frost is over, they can be planted out in their final growing location.

Direct sowing is an option for those who want to grow sunflowers outdoors from the beginning. This method is simpler and is a good choice if you do not want to pre-sow the plants indoors. Direct sowing is done in May when the soil has warmed up to at least 10 degrees Celsius. Sow the seeds directly in the ground and cover them lightly with soil. The seeds germinate quickly in the warm soil, and you can expect the plants to emerge within 7-14 days.

The sunflower, which loves the sun, thrives best in a sunny and sheltered location. Choose a site where the plants receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be nutrient-rich and well-drained so that the plant receives sufficient nutrients and moisture. It is important to plant the sunflowers in a place where water does not pool around the roots.

Sunflower seeds usually germinate within 7-14 days depending on temperature and moisture. Once the seeds have germinated and the plants begin to develop, it is important to ensure sufficient plant spacing. The spacing between the plants depends on the variety, but generally, 20-30 cm is recommended. For tall and large-flowered varieties, such as large sunflowers, it may be beneficial to leave a little more space so they can grow freely and reach their full potential.

Sunflowers typically bloom in July-August. The exact bloom time depends on the variety and growing conditions. Pre-sowing can speed up the blooming, allowing flowers to open as early as the beginning of July. Growing conditions such as temperature and light also affect the timing of the bloom. A warm and sunny summer can hasten the bloom, while cooler conditions may delay it until late August. The sunflower’s blooming period usually lasts several weeks, and after blooming, you can leave the flower heads in place to allow the seeds to mature.

The sunflower is a relatively easy-to-care-for plant, but a few key care practices will ensure that your plant thrives and reaches its full potential.

Sunflowers require regular watering, especially during dry periods. Consistent moisture is important for the plant to grow strong and healthy. It’s important to note that both too little and too much water can hinder growth. Sunflowers grown in pots need to be watered more frequently, as the soil in pots dries out faster than in the ground.

Fertilizing is recommended during the growing season. Sunflowers in pots, in particular, require regular nutrient supplementation, as the limited soil space cannot provide all the nutrients the plant needs. General plant fertilizer or chicken manure pellets work well and can be added to the watering can.

Tall sunflower varieties often need support, especially in windy locations. A stake or other support structure helps keep the tall stems upright and prevents them from toppling over. It’s a good idea to set up the support early on, while the plant is still young, so the stem can grow steadily against the support.

Sunflowers grown in pots may require more protection and care than those grown in the ground. Plants in pots are more prone to drying out and temperature fluctuations, so they may need more attention regarding watering and fertilizing. Additionally, sunflowers in pots don’t have as much root space as those in the ground, making them more sensitive to drying out and nutrient deficiencies.

There is a wide range of sunflower varieties available that suit different purposes and growing sites. By choosing the right variety, you can ensure that your garden has the sunflowers that perfectly match your taste and needs.

Sunflower varieties vary in height, flower color, and shape. Dwarf varieties, such as ‘Teddy Bear’ or ‘Suntastic,’ are ideal for pots or as border plants in flower beds. They remain compact and are well-suited for smaller spaces or balconies.

If you are looking for impressive, tall sunflowers that draw attention in the garden, you should choose varieties like ‘Giganteus’ or ‘Russian Giant.’ These varieties can grow several meters high and produce enormous flowers.

More unusual varieties include red sunflower ‘Velvet Queen’ or white sunflower ‘Italian White.’ These varieties bring variety to the garden and add new colors tothe sunflower palette, in addition to the traditional yellow color.

Most sunflowers are annuals, but there are also perennial sunflowers, such as Helianthus mollis. Perennial sunflowers are an excellent choice if you want to enjoy these beautiful flowers year after year without having to sow new seeds every spring. They are particularly well-suited for perennial beds or more natural areas of the garden, where they can spread and create stunning flower carpets.

Sunflowers are fantastic and long-lasting cut flowers that bring joy and life to bouquets and floral arrangements. Their strong stems and large, bright yellow flowers make them an excellent choice for various floral designs. Sunflowers are equally stunning alone in a vase or as part of a larger sunflower bouquet, where they add contrast and color to other flowers. Sunflowers create a beautiful autumnal yellow bouquet for August and September.

The durability of sunflowers makes them especially valued as cut flowers. They stay beautiful in a vase for a long time, as long as they receive enough water and are placed in a stable vase that can support their heavy blooms. A sunflower bouquet is always impressive and brings a summery atmosphere to any room.

What Vase is Best for a Sunflower Bouquet?

The sunflower needs a large and sturdy vase that can support its long and heavy stems. I recommend the Marimekko Urna glass vase, which has proven to be an excellent choice for my sunflower bouquets. For a couple of sunflowers, the Marimekko Umpu vase is also a good alternative.

The Urna vase, designed by Carina Seth Andersson, is a perfect combination of beauty and functionality. The vase has a height of 21 cm and a diameter of 30 cm, providing plenty of space for large sunflowers. Additionally, the wide opening allows for free arrangement of bouquets, and the stable base keeps the vase securely in place, even when filled with several heavy flowers. The Marimekko Urna vase can sometimes be found on sale.

Collecting Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds can be collected after blooming. They can be used the following year to sow new sunflowers or utilized as bird food during the winter. Collecting seeds is simple and brings joy to both you and the birds in your garden.

The sunflower is an easy-to-care-for and impressive flower that brings joy and color to the garden. It is suitable for many different growing locations, whether in the ground, flower beds, or pots. By choosing different varieties, you can create varied and beautiful floral arrangements to enjoy all summer long. Feel free to try different sunflower varieties and find your favorite! Also, check out general tips for growing cut flowers.