Your comments and tips

09 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Plant sunflower seeds after all frosts are over, if you get them. Sunflowers are fairly tough but will respond to well worked soil with manure or compost added. They will also do better if they get water. Mulch will help save water.

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20 Apr 17, Debbie (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

Want to grow sunflowers. I am in Malmesbury in the western cape. When is the best time to grow them. I have awefull clay soil so that i need to sort 1st.

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21 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Looking at the climate for Malmesbury in Western Cape you seem to have fairly mild winters. wait until after any frosts are over then plant your seed. If you have heavy clay soil try and break it up a bit by adding gypsum. I would try and work in about 2kg per square metre. You could also plant field peas or lupins to help break up the soil. These can be forked in when they are flowering. If your soil is really degraded this should help. Alternatively plant some of the shorter varieties that only grow from knee to waist high. Sunflowers are quite tough and respond well to good watering. Trust this helps.

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18 Jan 17, Wil (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

Hi I am an amateur photographer who would like to take some photos of sunflower fields. Are there at that is currently on bloom near Johannesburg? If not, would you be able to guide me on when/where best to go? Thanking you in advance for your time. Regards Wil

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26 Jan 17, Wilma (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

Sjoe, with the drought the crobs have not been good. The last nice fields I saw was a few years back travelling on the N1 towards Grasmere toll plaza. Maybe ask on the facebook group Taan's Tuine, Kruie en groente They have over 30 000 members who can help.

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

What month is best to plant sunflower seeds?

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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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10 May 14, robert tshivhidzo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

i need to be one of sunflower growering i need your help

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