How to care for sunflower: learn how to plant and grow it in your garden

Sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) is easily recognized by its yellow flowers that follow the path of the sun during the day. They are annual plants that bloom in the summer and are very popular because of their beauty and their many uses. Their large, eye-catching flowers can be grown as ornamental plants in pots or in the garden. In addition, they are easy to plant and cultivate. Their radiant color takesjoy and makes the space or garden much more vivid.

Read on to find out how to choose a spot for planting the "sun flower" and learn the step-by-step steps for planting, as well as the care this plant needs with a series of inspirations for growing your own sunflower to brighten up the garden.

What is the best place to plant a sunflower?

Sunflower can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, see the main specifications for each type of cultivation and choose the best way to grow your sunflower:

• In pots: The sunflower can be planted in medium to large pots that are 30 to 40 cm wide or in diameter. In this case it is best to choose dwarf or smaller sunflower seedlings. Choose a sunny spot, indoors or in the garden, to place the pot with the sunflower.
• Directly into the ground: For planting directly into the ground, larger sizes can be planted. Make sure the chosen site is well drained, deep, and rich in organic matter. Sunflower roots are long and can rot if the soil is waterlogged. In the ground sunflowers can be planted in individual beds or in rows.

If you want to brighten up your garden, you can grow sunflowers in the ground. If the soil is not suitable for cultivation or if the outdoor space is small, invest in pots. You can decorate your balcony or veranda with sunflowers in pots or planters, ready to start?

How to plant sunflower?

Planting your own sunflower, in a pot or in the garden, is simple. Choose to plant it in a place that receives sunlight most of the day. In the garden, avoid obstacles that may block the sun such as trees or walls. If planting in a pot, place it in a sunny space. Its planting process is similar to other plants, check out the step by step process for planting sunflower at home:

• Step 1: Buy the seeds of a sunflower variety. Check how tall the plant will grow and choose a suitable one for the chosen planting site. Dwarf varieties stay under 30 cm and giants can reach up to 4.5 m in height.
• Step 2: if you are planting in a pot, place stones or gravel at the bottom to facilitate drainage, fill the rest with soil. however, if you have chosen soil remember to check that the place is well drained and with plenty of organic compost.
• Step 3: to facilitate seed germination, wet a paper towel and wrap the seeds in their shells. place them in a plastic bag and let them rest for 2 days. after this time, the seeds will begin to germinate and will be ready for planting.
• Step 4: Dig a small hole, 2 to 4 cm deep, to accommodate the seed. If you want to plant several seeds, leave about 30 cm between them, so the sunflowers have enough space to grow. Then cover the seeds with a little more soil after planting and to finish, water the area.

Now that you have learned how to plant a sunflower, here are tips for caring for and ensuring that sunflowers develop vigorously and have a wonderful bloom.

How to care for sunflower

The sunflower is a hardy plant, but some minimal care needs to be taken for it to grow quickly and without problems. So here's a list of the main precautions to ensure the beauty of its flowers.

Lighting

Remember that the sunflower needs to receive direct sunlight for several hours a day. The plant grows best with exposure to at least 4 hours of sunlight daily. Prefer sun exposure in the morning.

Irrigation

Water frequently to keep the soil around the sunflower moist, but never soggy. With well-developed plants watering can be done less frequently.

Pests

Protect the sunflower from pests and weeds. Remove other plants and weeds early in the planting to prevent them from competing for nutrients from the soil. If you have problems with birds, cover the ground with a net to make it difficult for them to remove the seeds. But if the problem is with snails, place baits or repellents around the planted area.

Pruning

Remove the weaker sunflowers to give more room and nutrients to the larger, healthy sunflowers, especially if there is little room between plants for development.

Fertilization

Sunflowers grow well without fertilization, but rich soil is recommended for the giant varieties and you will certainly have more beautiful, showy flowers. Use a balanced, slow-release, or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Worm humus can also be used as an organic fertilizer.

Temperature

Sunflower tolerates high temperatures well and grows well between 18°C and 33°C. Avoid low temperatures during the growing cycle. Strong winds and storms can also cause damage.

Growth

Some larger sunflowers can get too heavy as they grow, so tie their stems to a wooden stake, pipe, or twig to help support the plant.

More photos of sunflowers to inspire you to have yours

The sunflower flower fills the eyes with its beauty. Be enchanted by the vitality and joy of yellow sunflower flowers and be inspired to grow your own.

1. positive energy and vitality

Sunflower to brighten up your home decor

3. sunflowers for cheerful, uncluttered tables

4. touch of yellow on the balcony

5. wicker and sunflower baskets for rustic decorations

6. good energy corner

7. sunflowers in planters to brighten up the windows

8. more color and beauty in your garden

9. a field of sunflowers in the backyard

10. arrangements to decorate the whole house

11. the magnificent beauty of the sunflower

12. bright and vibrant colors

13. joy of yellow in bloom

14. surprise with decorative arrangements

Combination of sunflower with other flowers

16. yellow all around

17. delicate flowers

18. vivid flowerbeds in the garden

19. sunflowers for elegant and cheerful arrangements

20. highlight in the garden or vegetable patch

The yellow color of its petals inspires happiness and good vibes, and, in addition, can beautifully decorate your home or garden.