Growing Sunflower
helianthus annuus : Asteraceae / the daisy family
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | S | S | S | S | S | ||||||
| T | T | T | T | T | T | ||||||
| P | P | P | P | P | P |
(Best months for growing Sunflower in South Africa - Semi-arid regions)
- S = Plant undercover in seed trays
- T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
- P = Sow seed
- Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 30°C.
- Space plants: 20 - 45 cm apart
- Harvest in 10-11 weeks.
- Compatible with (can grow beside): Cucumbers, Melons, Sweetcorn, Squash
- Avoid growing close to: Potatoes
Sunflowers need full sun and grow best in fertile, well-drained, moist soil with plenty of mulch. Sunflowers do not like to be transplanted so are best grown direct from seed. The giant or Russian varieties are preferred for seed production.
Grow to 1 - 2 metres (4 - 6 ft) so need staking or protection from the wind. Protect seed heads from birds when ripening with nets or paper bags. Chickens love a sunflower head hung for them to peck!
Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sunflower
Use seeds fresh or toasted or press for oil.
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