The iconic veggie patch flower that is nothing short of a statement piece. Some varieties will grow well above your head and they serve well as a bee attracting/ children pointing saying “WOW’ border. It also provides a wind break and much needed shade for some of your summer crops. Last but definitely not least sunflowers are great snackage material in the form of sunflower seeds, name a better flower? You can’t can you?
PLANTING
Plant sunflowers in spring or early summer when the soil temperatures start to warm up. Sow them directly into their forever home and points where you want to show off to your neighbours.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter. Watering frequency may need to be elevated during hot weather.
In Pots: Water daily, in the absence of rainfall, for the entirety of its lifecycle. The best practice is to water in the morning, however on extremely warm days a late afternoon water may also be necessary.
MAINTENANCE
Regularly water your sunflowers with a deep watering to encourage healthy blooms and root growth. If you plant in early spring water in the morning to avoid root rot in the colder nights.
Apply liquid fertiliser every two to three weeks.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: Flowers will start to open up after about 80 days
How to harvest: Cut stems at ground level, then trim to your desired length.
TIP
If you have space, plant new seeds every two weeks for a continuous bloom throughout the summer.
