# Tips on Growing Sunflower Seeds
The sunflower is one of the world’s leading oil seed crops, according to Colorado State University Extension, and the only North American native plant to have global significance. Sunflowers are easy to grow from seeds, and will self-seed as far north as U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone 5. Sunflowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies. The seeds produced later in the season are a source of food for humans and wildlife.
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When To Plant
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Sunflowers that are too large are prone to frost damage. People in the southern part of the United States should sow sunflower seeds mid-March, according to Purdue University, while the northern U.S. and Canada should sow the seeds around May 1. Seeds sown too early may germinate before the last frost of the season. Young sunflowers are not as susceptible to frost damage until they have at least six leaves, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Gardeners who are anxious to get their sunflower seeds in the ground early can do so as long as the soil temperature is at least 46 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the University of Missouri Extension. However, some type of protection, such as a row cover or a cold frame, which is a small box-like structure with a glass or plastic lid, should be used in case of frost.
Where To Plant
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Sunflowers turn their heads toward the sun, so consider this when planting. Plant sunflowers where they receive at least six hours of full sun per day, according to Colorado State University Extension. Sunflowers that don’t receive enough light will have thin, weak stems that cannot hold up the sunflower heads. It is best to plant sunflowers in new soil where sunflowers have not grown for at least four years, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Waiting 10 years between sunflower crops is even better. This gives any soil-borne sunflower diseases time to die.
How To Plant
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Sunflowers need proper spacing to ensure the health of the plants. Plant sunflower seeds 1/2 inch deep, according to Washington State University, with a 6-inch spacing between seeds. The best soil to plant sunflower seeds is fertile, well-drained, and contains plenty of organic matter such as compost or rotted manure. Adequate soil moisture is necessary, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Sunflower seeds that do not take up enough moisture from the soil will not germinate. Soaker hoses or other types of drip irrigation work well. Thin the seedlings so they are 2 feet apart once they have germinated. Mounding soil around the bottom of the stems as the sunflowers grow will encourage them to produce additional roots along the stem, making the plants sturdier.
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- Growing Sunflowers 101
- How to Farm Sunflowers
- Types of Sunflowers That Grows Seeds
- What Do Sunflowers Produce?
- The Harvesting Time of Sunflowers
- Questions on Growing Sunflowers
- My Sunflower Seeds Are Not Growing to Full Length
- How to Cultivate Sunflower Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds & Their Growing Speed
- About Sunflowers
- Growth of Sunflower Seeds
- What Soil Is Best for Growing Sunflower Seeds?
