Do I Need to Stake Sunflowers?

Considerations

• Sunflower cultivars come in tall, intermediate and dwarf forms. It is not unusual for the stems of tall varieties to grow approximately 10 feet tall and the flower head nearly a foot in diameter. According to the University of Delaware's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, factors that influence whether a plant requires staking include the particular cultivar, the soil's fertility and the amount of rainfall, which provides a boost for plant growth. In a dry year, sunflowers may not need to be staked; in a wet year or if plants have been overfertilized, staking may be a necessity.

  Tall varieties, such as "Russian Giant," can grow even taller than 10 feet and definitely require staking, according to Washington State University Whatcom Extension. Sunflowers require adequate amounts of sun -- from six to eight hours of full sun daily. The less sun they receive, the more likely they are to grow taller, or leggy, and require staking to prevent the upper stems and heads from bending over. Also consider staking sunflowers if they are grown in a location that tends to be windy.

Staking Materials

• The University of Vermont Extension advises staking plants after shoots show but before stems get very tall. For stakes, use material stronger than the stem. Broom handles or scrap lumber will suffice. Wooden stakes can also be purchased at garden centers; wood rots, so wooden stakes may need to be replaced annually. Another economical alternative, in the longer term, is to purchase long-lasting aluminum stakes, which are typically coated green to blend in with landscapes.

  For a group of sunflowers, consider creating a cage around them with circle of flexible fencing, such as iron mesh, held in place by three or four stakes. The extension recommends that, when purchasing or cutting stakes, add approximately 25 percent more length to the stake for pounding into the ground. Use soft materials, such as soft twine or old, soft tea towels, to tie stems to stakes so that stems are not damaged.

Planting Sunflowers

• The University of Minnesota Extension recommends planting sunflower seeds outside in spring, when soil temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a location with loose, well-draining soil receiving six hours or more of sun daily. Cover smaller seeds with 1/2 inch of soil, larger seeds with 1 inch of soil. To adequately fertilize sunflowers, side-dress them, which means placing fertilizer 2 to 4 inches to the side of the plants, with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at half strength, every 21 days while they are growing. Space plants approximately 6 inches apart. Plants require 1 inch of water per week, from a hose or rain.

Dwarf Sunflower Varieties

• Sunflower lovers who do not want to worry about staking might consider trying dwarf varieties. Those work well in containers or in beds. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, the plants are bushy, with 3- to 5-inch blooms on plants only 1 to 3 feet tall. The extension recommends considering dwarf varieties such as "Pacino," "Big Smile" and "Music Box Mix."