What Type of Sand Is Good for Sunflowers?

Sunflowers and Soil

• According to Washington State University's Clark County Extension, sunflowers are planted in almost any soil type. Soils typically range from sandy to heavy with clay and variations in between. An ideal soil type for sunflowers is one rich in organic matter with good drainage. Poor drainage stunts a sunflower's growth, so it is an important consideration.

Sandy Soil

• Sandy soil isn't something gardeners want. It doesn't hold water or nutrients, and sunflowers planted in it need extra irrigation and fertilizer for proper growth. However, if your soil is clay heavy, compacted and hard, adding some sand can help improve texture and drainage. The type of sand is important and, according to the Ohio State University Extension, coarse sand is preferable to fine sand. Coarse sand is available at most hardware and garden stores and is relatively inexpensive.

Soil Amendments

• Sand alone isn't enough to create perfect garden soil, however. Other amendments are necessary for creating rich, well-draining soil. Soil amendments are divided into two categories: organic and inorganic. Organic amendments include compost, manure, sphagnum peat, grass clippings, wood chips and wood ash among other substances. Inorganic amendments include sand, vermiculite, pea gravel and recycled rubber from tires. Usually a combination of organic and inorganic amendments is necessary for good garden soil.

Perfect Soil

• Creating perfect soil is a balancing act. You want to achieve good drainage while creating soil that retains nutrients. The first step in amending your soil is to have it tested. Soil tests reveal the pH and salinity of your soil as well as its nutrients. Organic amendments differ in their pH, salinity and in the nutrients they offer so it is important to know exactly what you need or already have in your soil. Then you need to consider what you want to achieve. Improving drainage can be accomplished by adding coarse sand but sand doesn't add nutrients so you'll also need to add an organic amendment based on your soil test. If you don't have resources available for a soil test, the Clark County Extension says adding compost to your soil should be adequate for good sunflower growth.