How to Farm Sunflowers

Turn the soil seven to ten days prior to planting to stimulate weed germination. Till the soil again just before planting to kill those weed seeds.

Select the type of seed for the desired plant. Seeds that produce oil and are also used in birdseed are small and black. The edible, non-oilseed sunflower seeds are larger and striped with black and white.

Loosen the dirt in your planing row, using a hoe. Plant your sunflower seeds in direct sun, 1 inch under the soil surface. Plant the seeds 12 inches apart, pushing each seed firmly into the soil with your finger.

Space the rows 32 inches apart, allowing enough width for weeding and to accommodate the flower heads.

Water the seeds after planting. Repeat this process daily until the seeds germinate, or sprout shoots, which is typically about three weeks. Water every other day after germination occurs or as needed depending on how hot it is.

Fertilize the seeds after planting with an all-purpose, slow-release, granular fertilizer, following the fertilizer manufacturer's instructions.

Watch for insects, such as grasshoppers and caterpillars, since they are attracted to the foliage. Use an organic insecticide if necessary.

Check for mold, especially if you are farming sunflowers in cool, wet soil. Treat mold with commercial fungicides.

Harvest the sunflower seeds in about three months, when the petals have fallen off the flower and the back of the flower head turns from yellow to brown, indicating the flower head is dry enough to harvest.