Big Sunflowers

Discussion in 'Propagation This Month' started by IceColdRum, Feb 10, 2015.

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  1. **Yvonne**

    **Yvonne** Total Gardener

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    I planted my Titan this weekend, they are destined for the allotment as bird food, but not before I enjoy them first :)
     
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      **Yvonne**, Feb 23, 2015
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      I was pondering on some sunflowers this year - not overly sure which ones to do though. I have a handful that I rescued from cockatiel food (he died last year), but they could be just about anything...... Either that, or I will have to buy some seeds - are there any in particular that I should look out for?
       
      Fat Controller, Feb 23, 2015
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    • **Yvonne**

      **Yvonne** Total Gardener

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        **Yvonne**, Feb 23, 2015
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        I'm no expert on sunflowers but generally for annuals I wait till mid-March to sow indoors, after they have germinated and developed the first set of true leafs I move them somewhere cooler with good light. I have always kept them frost free in my greenhouse, then harden off in early May, planting out after the last frost. Others may do things differently, I'd be interested to hear.
         
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          JWK, Feb 23, 2015
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        • **Yvonne**

          **Yvonne** Total Gardener

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          I've never grown them before, I have started them off in pots in the greenhouse.
           
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            **Yvonne**, Feb 23, 2015
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          • Beckie76

            Beckie76 Total Gardener

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            Oh golly, I wondered if I was being keen, I have a reasonable sized front porch which is very bright I could put them in there, there's no heating but do you think they'd be ok in there once they have got their first leaves? :scratch:
             
            Beckie76, Feb 23, 2015
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          • **Yvonne**

            **Yvonne** Total Gardener

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            Planning ahead, does anyone know a trick for shelling seeds for eating?
             
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              **Yvonne**, Feb 23, 2015
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            • Sheal

              Sheal Total Gardener

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              A parrakeet Yvonne! :heehee: Sorry, I couldn't resist that. :)
               
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                Sheal, Feb 23, 2015
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              • Freddy

                Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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                Regarding sowing time - I usually grow a few small ones that are planted in decent sized pots and find that they are rapid growers. Going on the premise that they will be planted out first week of June, I wouldn't sow until first week of May. I would normally also make a subsequent sowing for when the first lot are finished, maybe end of June?
                 
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                  Freddy, Feb 23, 2015
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                • JWK

                  JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                  Your porch sounds ideal Beckie, go for it, there's only one way to find out :) If it doesn't work then you won't have lost much, just be prepared to sow another batch in a few weeks time as insurance. This is the fun of gardening, there is no right or wrong way, we all do things differently and you need to find out what works best for you.
                   
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                    JWK, Feb 24, 2015
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                  • Beckie76

                    Beckie76 Total Gardener

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                    Just a quick question! My sunflowers are doing really well :hapydancsmil:, I don't want them to get leggy so I've potted some on, planting them quite deep in the soil (in pots) like you would a tomato! Is this the best thing to do? :scratch:
                     
                    Beckie76, Mar 6, 2015
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                  • JWK

                    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                    It's worth a try :blue thumb:
                     
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                      JWK, Mar 9, 2015
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                    • LyndaG

                      LyndaG Super Gardener

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                      I have some Giant Mongolian Sunflower Seeds, I think they are the massive ones. I have about 10 left if anybody would like them?
                       
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                        LyndaG, Mar 13, 2015
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                      • IceColdRum

                        IceColdRum Cacti & Herb Mad

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                        Some of mine have started to come up now :) the giants seem to be slow starters though here are some photos of 'Firecracker' an F1 variety I got in a seed swap so I've no idea what will come up and also the starting of 'Mongolian Giant'

                        [​IMG]

                        [​IMG]

                        Sent on the go from my telephone
                         
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                          IceColdRum, Mar 14, 2015
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