Sunflowers.

Hi all,

I want to grow sunflowers for the first time and was wondering if it is best to sow in pots to give them a start or direct as I have read on the Internet that both ways work.

What are other peoples experiences?

Thanks
Rusty

 

Hi Rusty,
I'd suggest pots with some transparent cover on top, which you can place in a sheltered, but sunny location directly outside. Germination takes about 7 days. Transplant them to their permanent places when they are large enough, but mind that both young and older plants are attacked by slugs.

Good luck!

 

I agree with Angelina.

If you look along the shelves of the supermarket, there are plasic trays ideal for planting seeds, there are also clear plastic trays of a size that will fit the bases perfectly. Don't forget to cut/burn/drill holes in the base.

Best wishes and good luck. Cheers, Tony.

 

2 litre fizzy drinks bottles when cut down are ideal for this. (cut the bottom off, plant directly outside, but put the "Top part" of the bottle over the area where the seed is, and don't forget to put the bottle cap on.)

 

i always sow them directly, they always come up nicely and if sth eats them, the next seedlings will come out very quickly again.. saves lots of extra work

 

Or cut the top off and have a nice clear dome, without a coloured bottle top spoiling it

Jack McHammockashing

 

But without the bottle cap its pointless, as the cap makes it into a micro green house

 

As Angelina says, sunflower seedlings are prone to being eaten by slugs and snails.
However, I've noticed over the years that while plants which I've carefully raised in pots and then planted out soon become mollusc fodder, the self sown seedlings which appear every spring, (from seed which has fallen from last years sunflower heads), seem far more resistant to snail attack.
So maybe sowing direct into the soil outside produces plants which are slightly tougher and less palatable.

 

One which was self-sown (from bird seed) in my garden grew to about 6ft tall, but not sure which month that was, maybe June time..