Your comments and tips

20 Sep 16, Jaxon K (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)

How do i protect the sunflower heads from birds

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01 Oct 16, May (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

If you want to save the seeds before the birds eat them, you can tie lightweight bags, made of gauze or something that can breathe and allow sun through around the flower heads, though it is not as pretty as having the flowers out in the open. Reflective surfaces that move in the wind and reflect flares of sunlight are supposed to also deter birds, because it irritates them or creates the illusion of fire... I know some people hang old cd's amongst their plants, but I haven't tried it, because again, not so pretty.. Not sure if it works and obviously when it is overcast and there's no wind, there won't be any movement or bright light to reflect.. But maybe worth a try?

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13 Apr 16, Susan Stewart (Australia - temperate climate)

Is the sunflower root edible? If so, is it similar to the helianthus variety known as Jerusalem Artichoke?

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10 Feb 16, Beverley Hall (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

What month is best to plant sunflower seeds?

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09 Feb 16, linn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

hi there, i live in broome in north western australia, was wondering when is the best time to plant sunflowers

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10 Mar 15, (Australia - temperate climate)

I am trying to grow giant sunflowers from seed I purchased at a reputable seed dealer, I can get a 40% germination rate in seed pots but the seedlings are very leggy and tend to lay down at 7.5cm high. In the ground I did get three to sprout, quite upright about 10cm high but then nothing. No further growth for around around four weeks. What am I doing wrong? Good quality potting soil, slow release in soil and I also use fish emulsion about every 8 weeks. All my other plants in the garden and pots are thriving. Any ideas? Please

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20 Feb 20, Bazza (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi, Are you using manure from a farm ? Your description sounds like Clopyralid poisoning.

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04 Jun 14, Reynet (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

Good day My daughter getting married in April 2014 \we need 150 sunflowers. when must i plant them. We stay in Pietermartizburg KZN

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31 May 14, sherlie eady (Australia - temperate climate)

Im planning a wedding in Perth end of September and would love to have a patch of sunflowers blooming then but when is the right time to plant the seeds and which variety is the most spectacular/easy to grow ?

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24 May 14, Anton Marais (Australia - arid climate)

Is the Margeret River area good for the arid type sunflower - I'm from - South Africa where we used to travel down to the coast thro sunflower fields up to 300 to 400 km long - I love them on the other side of the road was gaint corn called a mielies in sa

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