How to grow ornamental sunflowers

Sowing time

The biggest feature of ornamental sunflowers is that they do not bear fruit, so there are not many requirements for the sowing season. Depending on their flowering time, they can be sown throughout the year. If sown in January to April or September to October, it will bloom after 60 to 70 days; if sown in May to August or November to December, it will bloom after 70 to 80 days. Of course, there will be differences between varieties, so be sure to ask the merchant when choosing varieties. Most potted varieties take 50 to 60 days to bloom.

Sowing quantity

Ornamental sunflower seeds vary in size. If it is a large seed, there are 25 to 50 seeds per gram. There are 110 small seeds. It is best to choose small seeds for potted plants, 5 to 8 seeds per hole.

Sowing method

Seedling cultivation

For the soil, mix peat, vermiculite and sand in a ratio of 1:1:2 and add a little organic fertilizer.

Seedlings can be grown in plug trays or nutrient pots, and families can choose ordinary hole sowing. Dig a 1 cm small hole in the pot, sprinkle the seeds in, cover with soil and press lightly. If it is winter, you can cover the soil surface with a layer of plastic film to shorten the germination time. Usually seedlings emerge in 3 to 5 days in summer and 5 to 10 days in winter.

Transplanting

Transplanting should be done early, when the plant grows a pair of true leaves. Move the seedlings into the prepared pots. When transplanting, stretch the roots and leave enough space for them to grow, which can increase the survival rate. When transplanting, ensure that the roots are at the same depth in the soil to avoid the appearance of tall seedlings.

Colonization management

After transplanting, place the plants in a cool place for 2 to 3 days to slow down the growth, then water and fertilize appropriately before establishing. Keep the soil moist to prevent leggy growth.

After 30 to 40 days, when the plants bud, water them appropriately according to the actual situation to meet their growth needs.

Apply fertilizer reasonably. During transplanting, planting or changing soil, try not to use base fertilizer to prevent the fertilizer from being too concentrated, making the stems thick and affecting the appearance. During the growth process, if the leaves are weak, you can apply foliar fertilizer appropriately.

Sunflower is also called sunflower. There is no need to turn the flowerpot when caring for it at home, as the plant will grow towards the sun on its own. It is like a baby shining in the sun, giving warmth and light to the whole family!