sunflower
Helianthus occidentalis
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 8
Flowers:
Orange-yellow rays and yellow disks Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Fruits:
brown,gray,black,gray Fruits Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Sunflower plants need 1 to 2 inches of water per week, and less during cooler months. Generally, watering should be done in the morning, however if need be, you can also water in the evening. Before watering, test the soil with your finger to determine if water is needed. If soil feels dry, add the required amount of water. During hot and dry summer months, water more frequently to help the sunflower stay cool. Also, provide supplemental water during extended dry periods.
sunlight
Sunlight is very important for sunflowers (Helianthus occidentalis). Sunflowers should receive 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight per day to bloom successfully. Depending on the season and the location, the best time to receive adequate sunlight will be different. In summer months, the ideal times are from 8am to 11am and 3pm to 6pm. In winter months, exposure should be increased to maximize sun exposure and allow for more flowering. During this time, it is recommended to give sunflowers as much as 10-12 hours of sunlight per day. In different geographical locations, the sun exposure changes, so in desert conditions, it is best to give the sunflowers 4-6 hours of sunlight per day while in wetter climates, 8-10 hours of sunlight are recommended.
pruning
Sunflower (Helianthus occidentalis) should be pruned as soon as the flowers begin to fade and the petals fall off. Deadheading (a type of pruning) should be done regularly to promote continued blooming throughout the growing season. Pruning is also important to keep the plant's stems manageable and tidy. Just pinch off the dead flowers to remove them and tidy up the plant. Depending on variety, sunflowers can grow to heights of 3 to 12 feet, so staking and pruning may be necessary as the plant grows taller. Pinch off the top of the stem to encourage branching, which will help make the plant bushier. Additionally, light pruning of the long stems is recommended to keep the plant looking tidy.
FAQ
Are sunflower seeds edible?
Yes, sunflower seeds are edible and are enjoyed around the world. Sunflower seeds have a nutty flavor and can be eaten either raw or roasted. Popular forms of eating sunflower seeds include tossing them in salads, sprinkling them in stir fry dishes, using them as an ingredient in baked goods, and snacking on them as a healthy and tasty snack. Sunflower seeds are available both with and without their shells, depending on the preference of the consumer.
Are there any pests that commonly attack sunflowers?
Yes, there are several pests that commonly attack sunflowers, such as European corn borer, aster leafhoppers, cabbage loopers, and potato leafhoppers. These pests can all cause significant damage to the plant, such as wilting of the leaves, stunted growth, and loss of petals. Preventative measures, such as proper maintenance and pesticides can help reduce their numbers and damage to the sunflowers.
Are sunflowers an annual or perennial plant?
Sunflowers are an annual plant, meaning they will only live for one growing season. This typically falls within the summer months as sunflowers will reach maturity within two to three months after planting. They will typically flower and then die off before the following season, making them an annual plant.
Could sunflowers grow in a greenhouse or indoor garden?
Yes, sunflowers can be grown in a greenhouse or indoor garden. Sunflowers require bright, direct light, but if a greenhouse or indoor garden is equipped with special lighting, sunflowers can grow successfully. When growing them indoors, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and that they are getting the appropriate amount of light, water and nutrients. When the conditions are right, even the tallest varieties of sunflowers can be successfully grown indoors.
Should sunflowers be planted in the spring or fall?
Sunflowers should be planted in the spring, as soon as the last frost has passed and the soil is warm. Planting in the spring ensures that your sunflowers get plenty of heat and sunshine to spur growth and yield beautiful blooms. In more northern climates, however, you might need to stagger your planting dates over the spring so that they are not all exposed to extreme cold.
How long does it take for a sunflower to bloom?
Sunflowers have a relatively short blooming season, typically lasting only a few weeks. After pollination, the flower buds will typically form within 5-10 days and open up within 8-12 days. This means a sunflower can take anywhere between 8 and 20 days to bloom after pollination. Factors such as genetics, soil temperature, and light availability can influence the amount of time it takes a sunflower to bloom.
Do sunflowers attract bees and butterflies?
Yes, sunflowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies. Sunflower petals offer a generous amount of nectar, providing an excellent food source for these pollinators. Sunflowers also offer protection from predators and the elements for the bees and butterflies. The bright yellow color of the sunflower petals are also visually appealing to these insects, drawing them in from miles away!
Is the sunflower a symbol of happiness?
The sunflower is often associated with happiness and joy, usually because of its bright yellow petals and attractive appearance. Sunflowers can also be seen as symbols of loyalty and warmth, as they have a tendency to always follow the sun and turn towards the light. The sunflower is often used as a representation of faith or loyalty, and its natural beauty can provide us with a sense of joy and optimism.
