Sunflowers need no introduction. Everyone knows these tall, very striking plants with their cheerful and large flowers. Evening sun is a mixture of sunflowers in warm colours red, orange and yellow. These tall, very striking and large flowers all have a striking contrasting dark brown heart. They stand on long, sturdy stems and are surrounded by large green leaves. A very fast grower that is easy to grow. It needs a spacious, sunny spot with shelter from the wind. And support.
What is less well known is that the petals can be eaten. Add them as an edible and colourful decoration to salads or other dishes. The seeds of sunflower are also edible and can be used in all kinds of dishes or as a healthy snack. Or as healthy and delicious bird food. Bees and butterflies also love sunflower. Sunflowers are also fun for children because they are easy to grow. Non hardy annual. Height: 180 - 200 cm.
Indoor sowing/under glass: April - May
Outdoor sowing: end of May - August
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 20 - 30 °C
Sowing depth: ½ - 1 cm
Sowing in rows: 30 cm
Plant distance: 60 - 90 cm (depends on size of sunflower)
Plant position: sunny - sheltered
Flowering period: July - October
Sow the seeds from the beginning of April indoors in a propagator in a warm room or in a heated greenhouse. The soil temperature should be at least 20°C. It's important that the temperature is as constant as possible, as this ensures better germination. Don't let the temperature drop at night. You can use a tray with moist sowing soil or separate pots for sowing. When using separate pots: sow 2 seeds per pot in pots of approx. 10 cm Ø. Cover the seeds with a layer of ½ to 1 cm of seed soil. Keep well warm and moist.
As soon as the young seedlings are 5 - 8 cm tall, they should be transplanted to separate pots. In May, as soon as there is no more chance of night frost, the young seedlings can be moved outside. Allow the young seedlings to harden off gradually ( 10 days) before placing them outside. Place the plants in a sunny spot with shelter from the wind. Support the plants if necessary.
In May, as soon as it gets warmer and there is no risk of night frost, you can sow directly in the garden in a prepared seedbed in the desired position or in a large flowerpot. Sow 2 seeds per hole and leave 60 - 90 cm space, depending on the height of the plants. Cover the seeds with ½ - 1 cm of seed soil. Press lightly and keep moist. Provide a sunny spot with shelter from the wind.
The seedlings appear after 14 - 21 days. Remove 1 weak seedling per location. If seedlings are removed, they can be replanted somewhere else. Again, allow 60 - 90 cm space, depending on the height of the plants. Keep soil moist and weed free. Protect the young seedlings against snails. Sunflowers need a sunny and sheltered spot. Depending on the location and height of the plant, it may be necessary to support the plants.
