How to grow sunflowers in the garden: expert tips

Sunflowers are one of the most popular summer plants. Sunflower seeds contain vitamins A, B and D, zinc, iron, potassium and calcium. They are rich in vitamin E, which protects the body from free radicals, and healthy fats that lower blood cholesterol.

In addition to adding height, structure, and color to your yard, sunflowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds, are a good companion plant, and they also improve soil health. Experts told us how to grow sunflowers in your own garden.

The sunflower's bright, nectar-rich blossoms nourish pollinators, and its deep roots promote soil aeration, providing better moisture penetration to the roots and high-quality drainage. Lucy Taylor, a specialist at Vine House Farm, shared her expert advice on the best ways to grow sunflowers.

Where to plant sunflowers

Sunflowers need a lot of sun - about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. When sowing seeds, choose a place that receives a good amount of natural light. It is better to plant sunflowers in beds that face south and are protected from the wind.

Sunflowers are always "hungry" plants that need a lot of nutrients, so the soil should be fertile or enriched with fertilizers. It is advisable to add organic matter or aged manure to the bed beforehand.

What soil is suitable for sunflowers

Sunflowers grow best on well-drained soil. Heavy clay soil can retain water, which leads to irrigation problems and root rot. If you have clay soil in your garden, add peat-free multi-purpose compost to the beds where you will plant the plants.

How to water sunflowers

Sunflowers have long tap roots that need space. The seeds should be planted about 30 cm apart.

The plants need to be watered thoroughly. Sunflower seeds germinate in about ten days, and it is at this stage that it is especially important to keep the soil moist.

"If you initially plant sunflowers under cover, water them daily to keep the soil moist but not wet, and make sure the seedling pots have good drainage," the expert emphasized.

High-quality watering in the period after flowering will increase the thickness of the stems.

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