Home & Garden Tips
Growing Sunflowers
By Roosevelt McWilliams Burke County Extension Agent

As a garden plant, the sunflower is valuable for forming a background screen. A rapid grower, it reaches a height of 8- 12 feet in rich soil.

This rapid growth could cause competition with other garden plants, especially by shading. Sunflowers can be planted between groups of shrubs, particularly where these form a background. For smaller gardens, the multi-

branched species are more suitable. Dwarf forms of 24 inches in height make a spectacular bed by themselves.

When growing sunflowers for bird food or human consumption, you should select the confectionery type over the oil types.

Sunflowers do best when grown on soils with adequate water-holding capacity, internal drainage and proper fertility. They will tolerate a wide range of soil types; however, one that is too high in nitrogen encourages excessive plant growth that will check maturity of the flower heads.

Adequate levels of phosphorus and potassium are recommended for best results. As with any garden activity, frequent soil tests are recommended to get good results. The plant's roots go deep and spread extensively, so the sunflower can withstand some drought and nearby cultivation.

Sunflowers should not be water stressed during the critical period. The critical period is about 20 days before and after flowering.

You should plant seeds into moistened soil one to two inches deep, but no deeper than three inches. Space seeds 12 inches apart in rows spaced 2 to 2 ½ feet apart. Plants grown for large heads should be spaced farther apart or scattered around the garden.

For the home situation, seeds can be started in four-inch peat pots and transplanted outdoors. Transplants may grow taller and flower sooner than seed started plants.

The sunflower head moth is the major insect pest. The moth attacks at flowering time with the larvae feeding on floral parts and tunneling through developing seed. Aphids and whiteflies can also be a problem.

Birds can be troublesome near harvest time. Seeds are exposed and the large flower head serves as a feeding perch. To deter birds, use frightening devices and human activity in the immediate area before damage is expected.