The sunflower - as magnificent as the sun
The sunflower is one of our most magnificent summer flowers. With its large, yellow flowers, it shines in competition with the sun.
How do you grow sunflowers in pots? How often should you water it and when does the sunflower bloom? Inspiration and answers can be found below.
Lovely sunflowers - this is how you succeed with them
How often should you water a sunflower?
Since the sunflower is sensitive to drought, you should water it regularly. If you plant the sunflower, you can give it extra nutrition after a month. It can be natural fertiliser, compost or manure water.
Advice on care : Pick away flowers that have started to wither. Then the plant often grows more flowers, so you can enjoy your sunflower for an extra long time.
Sunflower in a pot
Sunflowers are really fun to grow! The seeds are large and easy to handle, both small and large fingers easily put them into the soil. The sunflower is one of our easiest summer flowers to grow, and also does very well in a pot on the patio.
Use a slightly larger pot. Fill two thirds of the pot with regular potting soil. Then top with seed soil. Place the sunflower seed about a centimeter below the soil. Water the soil and put the pot in a warm place.
Sunflowers germinate quickly, grow quickly and can get incredibly large in just one season. When you see the first little leaves peeking out, put the pot in a bright but cooler place. The night temperature should be around 15 °C. When the sunflower plant has grown out of the pot, replant it in a larger pot.
Grow sunflowers
The sunflower is an easy-to-grow flower. Give it deep, nutritious and well-drained soil along with regular watering and it will grow quickly. The plant naturally thrives best in a sunny location.
Sunflowers can be sown directly in the growing area in May, as soon as the soil has warmed up. If you want the sunflower to bloom early in the year, you can pre-cultivate it indoors as early as April.
The stately and robust sunflower blooms from midsummer to early autumn.
If you have problems with snails, it might also be a good idea to pre-cultivate it indoors. The snails love the little sunflower sprouts. Pollinating insects also like sunflowers. Something that is very good for the environment and nature. In addition, the nutritious seedbed becomes food for birds and other small animals in the winter.
Sunflower as a cut flower
Did you know that the sunflower can be used as a cut flower? Cut the stem at an angle and place it in a tall vase of water.
Remember to pick off any leaves that risk ending up under water before you put it in the vase. Feel free to remove a few extra if you want - the leaves take a lot of energy and that way the flower stays nice for longer. Cut the stems at an angle with a sharp knife, and place the sunflowers in a beautiful vase that provides both support and space.
Facts about the sunflower
The sunflower is called what it does because the flower itself faces the sun. That's why you can see a whole field of sunflowers facing the same direction. It's also an apt name as the flower actually also looks like a sun.
Flowering time: July–October
Height: 50–300 cm depending on variety
Growing place: sunny
Planting distance: approx. 30 cm
Soil/nutrition: Thrives in nutritious and warm soil. If you want a stately sunflower, a lot of nutrition is required.
Watering: If you water too little, the plants will become spindly.