Sunflowers.

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by rustyroots, Apr 8, 2012.

  1. rustyroots

    rustyroots Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2011
    Messages:
    2,264
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Solihull, West Midlands
    Ratings:
    +2,946
    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
     
  2. Angelina

    Angelina Super Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2011
    Messages:
    451
    Gender:
    Female
    Occupation:
    Translator/Teacher
    Location:
    Sofia, Bulgaria, Zone 6b
    Ratings:
    +1,081
    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! :blue thumb:
     
  3. Kleftiwallah

    Kleftiwallah Gardener

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2011
    Messages:
    684
    Occupation:
    Retired by circumstances.
    Location:
    North Wiltshire
    Ratings:
    +568
    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.
     
  4. watergarden

    watergarden have left the forum because...i'm a sad case

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2007
    Messages:
    946
    Ratings:
    +549
    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.)
     
  5. loveweeds

    loveweeds Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2012
    Messages:
    268
    Location:
    Liverpool
    Ratings:
    +210
    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:)
     
  6. Jack McHammocklashing

    Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

    Joined:
    May 29, 2011
    Messages:
    4,450
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Ex Civil Serpent
    Location:
    Fife Scotland
    Ratings:
    +7,484
    Or cut the top off and have a nice clear dome, without a coloured bottle top spoiling it :)

    Jack McHammockashing
     
  7. watergarden

    watergarden have left the forum because...i'm a sad case

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2007
    Messages:
    946
    Ratings:
    +549
    But without the bottle cap its pointless, as the cap makes it into a micro green house
     
  8. Trunky

    Trunky ...who nose about gardening

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2011
    Messages:
    2,926
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Professional Gardener (retired)
    Location:
    East Suffolk
    Ratings:
    +10,741
    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.
     
  9. kyleleonard

    kyleleonard Total Gardener

    Joined:
    May 23, 2011
    Messages:
    1,428
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Ashton-under-Lyne
    Ratings:
    +950
    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..
     
Loading...

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice