Sunflowers (also known by their Latin name Helianthus) grow very well not only in the garden, but also in a pot. The cheerful and charming plants are one of the most popular and easy-care annuals. There are tiny sunflowers that grow just three feet tall and giant varieties that reach skyward, but you don't need a large garden to grow this plant. The classic summer bloomers can be planted in plastic pots, terracotta pots or even buckets. Read on so you can sow your sunflowers as early as possible.
When can you sow sunflowers?
The best time to sow sunflower seeds is actually spring - the months of April and May. At this time of year there is less risk of frost and the plants still have enough time to grow and flower before temperatures drop again in autumn.
Depending on the variety and location, sowing is possible until the end of June. In this case, however, the Helianthus will have a shorter flowering period.
Sowing sunflowers in pots: what are the benefits?
There are many reasons to sow sunflowers in pots, but perhaps the best reason is space. Sunflowers can take up a lot of space in the garden, but there are many compact and container-friendly varieties such as 'Sunspot', 'Teddy Bear', 'Big Smile' and 'Garden Statement' that can be planted in pots. These plants don't just beautify yousunny terraceor a balcony, but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies and can be cut for summer bouquets. They are easy to grow and resistant to disease, drought and insects.
Which location?
Sunflowers, as the name suggests, are light-loving plants that need full sun to grow well. The best location for growing sunflowers in pots should provide at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day. In a less bright location, the stems may stretch and fall over as they reach for the sun.
Find the right pot
Sunflowers need sun. They thrive best in fertile soil in a protected location, but also in containers. However, if you want your sunflower to grow really big, it's best to plant it in the ground.
Successfully sowing sunflower seeds in pots begins with choosing the right containers. The two most important considerations when choosing pots are size and drainage. By matching the size of the variety to the size of the pot, you can be sure that there is enough space for healthy root growth. As a rule, you need pots with a diameter of at least 25 to 30 cm for the sunflower seeds.
You may also want to sow several sunflowers in a single planter. You should check the package to see how large the sunflower variety is when ripe so you can figure out how far to space each seed. Another consideration when choosing a container is drainage. These plants require well-draining soil, so a pot with sufficient holes for water drainage is important.
The right soil for growing sunflowers
Sunflowers thrive best in loose potting soil enriched with organic material such as compost or old farmyard manure. If you are growing these plants in pots, fill the containers with a mix that is about 50% high-quality potting soil and 50% compost. Additionally, you could add a slow-release organic flower food to ensure your sunflowers are provided with enough nutrients to promote healthy growth and large blooms.
Sowing sunflowers in a pot: this is how it works
Before sowing, fill the pot up to two-thirds of its height, moisten the growing medium and compost mixture and allow excess water to drain from the holes. Then carefully space the seeds appropriately apart – 10cm apart for dwarf varieties or one seed per 30cm diameter (20L) pot for medium-sized, single-stemmed varieties. Cover the seeds with about 2 cm of the same growing medium, following the instructions on the seed packet. Lightly press the soil with your clean or gloved fingers and water in the seeds.
The sunflower seeds will germinate within one to two weeks, and you should keep the soil moist but not waterlogged the entire time. If they receive too much water, the seeds will rot. After germination, remove the weaker seedlings and grow the strongest plant in a sunny location on your terrace or balcony.
Sow like sunflowers in the bed
Although these hardy blooms can grow almost anywhere in the garden, it is best to choose a location with plenty of sunlight and rich, well-drained soil. These plants do well in less than ideal conditions, they just may not grow as large and vigorous.
Dig a shallow trench about 3 cm deep and place the seeds in it. If you want small flower heads, sow seeds 5 to 10 cm apart, and for larger flower heads – 15 to 20 cm apart. Once you've placed the seeds in the trench, cover them with 3 inches of soil and water thoroughly. Keep them moist until germination, which should occur in 7 – 10 days.
