How To Grow Sunflower Plants--The Right Way

If you are interested in adding some color and light to your landscape, you need not look any further than the sunflower plant. These plants are a bright and wonderful addition to any landscape or gardening area.

You may not realize it but the sunflower has many varieties other than the large head type often seen in photos. So your first decision to make when planting a sunflower is its variety. Mainly you want focus on how tall the plant will become so it will not overshadow other plants.

Climate needs

As the name implies, the sunflower needs plenty of sun. You want it to receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. You should also choose a location that will shelter the plant from strong winds. Sunflowers are generally top heavy and can break relatively easy under. You may want to use stakes or fencing for support so the plants do not topple over during strong winds.

Starting seeds

A popular method of germinating seeds from a packet begins indoors. Place the seeds in a shallow plate with a damp paper towel above and below them. While you wait for the seeds to sprout, choose and prepare the location for the new seedlings. Remember the location should have six hours of sun, shelter from breezy conditions, and soil that is well drained. After a few days the seeds will begin to sprout.

Transplanting seedlings

Once the seeds have sprouted, move them to their new location. Then bury them an inch into the soil. Keep a distance about six inches between seedlings. At this stage its important to keep weeds away from the new plant. Weeds left unchecked can quickly choke out young plants.

Most variety of sunflowers need plenty of water to remain healthy. The six hours of sun recommend for this plant will dry out soil quickly. Check them frequently and if necessary water them daily.

About the Author:

Steve Habib is an active gardener and researcher on the subject of growing and caring for a variety of plants. You can find more insights and receive our FREE BOOK 'How Do Plants Grow' at HOME PAGE To learn more about SUNFLOWER PLANTS visit here.

Author: Steve Habib