starting sunflowers?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
lotsofkids Steubenville, OH Mar 06, 2009

Hi. We have company coming at the end of June, and I would love to have my sunflowers in bloom. However according to the package, it will take 75-90 days from planting. Can I start my sunflowers indoor first? They only grow to about 4 1/2 feet, if that makes a difference. Thanks for the help!

Post #6227494
Quote
glendalekid Tuscaloosa, AL(Zone 7b) Mar 06, 2009

Usually, they're direct seeded, but I don't know why you couldn't start them inside if you have sufficient light. When is your last frost date?

Karen

Post #6228129
Quote
dipsydoodle Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Mar 06, 2009

Where I work; people grew them inside in pots all summer (it was a competition) they reached about 2m tall. They werent as nice as the outdoor ones but they were still fine. I'd say you would have no problems starting them inside.

Post #6228312
Quote
ndfarmer Colfax, ND Mar 08, 2009

you can start sunflowers early in a pot and then transfer them outside at a later date. Just be careful with the roots. Sunflowers actually germinate and grow at a lower temp then most flowers. I believe they will germinate at around 45 degrees.

Post #6237279
Quote
lotsofkids Steubenville, OH Mar 10, 2009

Well, I guess I'll give it a try. If it doesn't work, I'll just direct seed them later. Thanks a lot!

Post #6247510
Quote
rherron Indianapolis, IN Mar 11, 2009

That is a great idea, I will try this this spring!

Post #6252318
Quote
XMelissaX Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) Mar 13, 2009

I've started sunflower seeds in my basement in Feb./Mar. the past couple years. Make sure you use at least a 2" pot that is fairly deep. (Bigger if you have the room.) They don't grow quite as tall as what the package says when started like this. Maybe try a taller variety like Mammoth Russian. It should get 6-7' tall started indoors. (Pack says 7-12) They transplant well. I had complaints from my mom and my father-in-law about the squirrels eating all the seeds. They never even had a chance to get them going. So I started doing this. Now I get a lot of requests for sunflowers. It's not too late to start them inside now. Last year I started them around Mar. 10.

Post #6260103
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP