Is this your year to grow sunflowers? Anyone can do it! Learn everything you need to know about growing sunflowers from seed in your flower garden.
Sunflowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are the classic giants with single, massive blooms, branching varieties with clusters of smaller flowers, and even dwarf sunflowers perfect for containers. Choose the variety that will work for your growing space.
Sunflowers thrive in sunny locations with well-draining, fertile soil. They need about 6-8 hours of full sun to get the most out of the flowers. Ideally, you’ll want to plant your seeds outdoors after the last frost has passed for your area.
Dig a hole 1/2 inch to 1 inch deep for each seed. Space the holes according to the variety you’re planting. Giant sunflowers may need 3-4 feet between plants, while dwarf varieties can be spaced as close as 1 foot apart.
Place a single seed in each hole and cover it with soil. Water the planting area gently but thoroughly. Do not plant them closely together. You’ll waste the seeds needing to thin them out later.
Succession PlantingSince most sunflowers are one-and-done type flowers, sow seeds about a week apart for several weeks so you can get a season of blooms.
Water your sunflowers regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. The soil should be evenly moist, but not soggy. And keep the area weed free.
Tall sunflower varieties may benefit from staking to provide support, especially if they’re growing in windy areas. But be careful when you do this, because taller sunflowers can snap if they are tied to a shorter stake too tightly.
Follow along to learn more about how to grow sunflowers.