How to Grow Sunflowers From Seed
Are you wondering how to grow sunflowers from seed? Sunflowers are the flower of the summer! They are great to plant with kids because the seeds are easy for their little fingers to grab, and they are great for beginners. Not to mention the many varieties, you are sure to find a sunflower to fall in love with.
How to Grow Sunflowers From Seed Summary:
- Soil: Break up your soil and get rid of any weeds or grass. If needed add a layer of compost.
- Plant the seed ¼ inch deep and put 1-2 seeds in each hole. Refer to the seed packet’s instructions for your sunflower variety spacing needs. It can be anywhere from 6-18 inches apart.
- Water: Keep the ground damp, but not pooling water until the seedling comes up.
- Continued Care: Water regularly, especially when they are young and establishing roots. Once about a foot tall Deep water once a week at the base of the plant. Water 2-3 times a week during hot summer spells.
For more details on how to grow sunflowers from seed, my favorite variety, and common questions read below!
1. Choose the Right Location
Sunflowers need full sun to thrive, so select a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. They prefer warm, well-draining soil.
2. Prepare the Soil
Prepare your soil by clearing any grass or weeds. Then loosen your soil with your hands or shovel.
Sunflowers are not too fussy about soil quality, but they grow best in well-draining soil. You can improve your soil by mixing in some compost if your soil is dense and hard. If your soil is sandy or very loose, adding some compost will help retain moisture and provide nutrients.
3. Growing Sunflowers From Seeds
- When to Plant: Plant sunflower seeds after the last frost in spring when your night temperatures are no lower than 32 degrees. Your last frost date can be found with a simple google search.
- Direct Sowing: Plant the seed ¼ inch deep and put 2-3 seeds in each hole. I like to use the back of a sharpie for the perfect hole. Refer to the seed packet’s instructions for your sunflower variety spacing needs. It can be anywhere from 6-18 inches apart.
- Water: Keep the ground damp, but not pooling water until the seedling comes up.
- Start Indoors: You can start sunflowers indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, but it is not suggested. Sunflowers do not like to be moved and grow quickly if planted directly in the ground.
4. Watering
Sunflowers need regular watering, especially when they are young and establishing roots. However, they do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Water the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Deep watering once a week is typically enough, but in hot weather, they may need more frequent watering such as every other day or twice a week.
5. End of Season Care
Sunflowers are annuals. At the end of the season, you can collect seeds from the flowers to plant the following year. Simply let the flowers dry on the plant, and when the flower heads are completely dead and dry, collect the seeds from the center of the flower and store them in a cool, dry place. FREE SEEDS!
Show Stopper Sunflower Varieties:
ProCut White Lite- These sunflowers have a yellow center and light yellowish cream petals.
ProCut White Night- These also have light yellowish cream petals, but have a dark chocolate center. The contrast is beautiful.
Drop Dead Red Sunflowers- This is a mix of reds and orange sunflowers that I planted last year. I got the mix from botanical interest. I would highly suggest this mix. I planted the seeds in mid June and got the most beautiful fall colored sunflower arrangement. It was spectacular.
Teddy bear Sunflowers- These are a new hit to the flower world. The large sunflower heads and hundreds of petals, makes the sunflower look “fluffy”. It is definitely a show stopper.
Sunflower Garden Ideas
Now you know how to grow sunflowers from seed. Sunflowers can be so fun because they grow so tall you can use them like a wall by…
- Plant them on a fence line for privacy
- As a backdrop for pictures or up against your home
- Plant in a circle for a kids hideout, just be aware the the stems can be a little pokie so leave space to get by
Common Questions
How do I keep Sunflowers blooming all summer?
Unless you are growing a branching variety of sunflowers the plant will only grow one flower. If you are growing a branching variety keep cutting the flowers! Even if you let some flowers die on the plant, cut them off for the plant to put more energy into growing more flowers and not grow seeds.
How tall do Sunflowers grow?
How tall the Sunflowers can grow will depend on the variety. Usually the front of the seed packet will say how tall the plant can get. Some varieties are bread for cutting and will not grow as tall and some will grow 12 feet tall!
Do Sunflowers come back every year?
No, sunflowers are annuals. You will need to replant every spring.
What temperature will kill sunflowers?
Sunflowers are frost sensitive. When night temps are below 32 degrees they will die.
Do sunflowers need full sun?
Yes, sunflowers need 6-8 hours of full sun.
What month do you plant sunflower seeds?
Plant sunflowers seeds after the last frost in spring when your night temperatures are no lower than 32 degrees. Usually anytime April-July, but check your weather and last frost date to be sure.
What happens if you plant sunflowers too close together?
If planted to close the plant will not grow as large, which if you want smaller stems for vases it’s great!
Where can I buy sunflower seeds?
Anywhere you can buy seeds you can get sunflowers, but my favorite places to get unique varieties are
Johnny’s Select Seeds
TrueLeaf market
Botanical Interest
Baker Creek Rare Seeds
Now you know how to grow sunflowers from seeds you might be interested in how to grow a full sunflower garden. I have a post HERE about the different types of varieties and making a sunflower oasis.
As always,
Grow flower to heal your soul,
Beth
