We show you 5 easy to follow steps to grow a stunning sunflower that will be the envy of your neighbours…
Sowing Sunflower Seeds in 5 Simple Steps
Step 1: At the end of March/early April sow seeds into 9cm pots. Use an equal ratio of loam, perlite and sand.
Step 2: Stand pots in a warm propagator in the greenhouse – they’ll take about 7-10 days to germinate.
Step 3: Put young plants outside during the day to allow the wind to thicken the stems, but return them to the greenhouse overnight. Do this for around 2 weeks.
Step 4: Plant out in April, in well-drained soil in a sunny aspect. Large varieties should be planted 15in (38cm) apart, dwarf ones 9-10in (22-25cm).
Step 5: Feed with all-purpose fertiliser twice, once in mid-June and again in August.
If you are thinking of sowing sunflower seeds directly in the soil you will need to do this in mid-April. Make sure you place the seeds carefully in the ground and cover the seed with soil. Make sure you water the newly planted seeds.
Whichever method you decide to sow sunflower seeds the flowering should occur in August.
Find more tips, advice and articles like this at the Amateur Gardening website. Subscribe to Amateur Gardening magazine now.
