Grow Well Guides

Sunflowers

With their towering stems and vibrant, golden blooms, Sunflowers create a captivating focal point, adding a splash of joy to any garden bed or landscape. By nurturing sunflowers, you not only enjoy their beauty but also contribute to a thriving ecosystem, attracting beneficial pollinators and creating a vibrant and dynamic garden.

Planting Calendar

Summer
Autumn
Winter
Spring

Sunflowers are best planted in the hotter months of the year.

Prepare

The record for the tallest sunflower is 30 feet and was grown in Germany. Sunflowers have a unique trait called heliotropism, this is where the flower turns to face the sun throughout the day. Starting in the east and ending up facing west. Sunflowers are bee magnets; each flower head produces a large volume of pollen and nectar that lures in bees and other pollinators.

Position

Sunflowers prefer a position in full sun, with some protection from strong winds. They can also be grown in containers

Soil

When planted into the ground sunflowers prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.

Pollination

Sunflowers are pollinated by bees and other insects.

Plant

When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.

Care

Watering

Water deeply ensuring that the soil does not dry out compltely.

Feeding

When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.

Protecting

Protect taller varieties from wind by staking or planting against a wall or fence for support. Taller varieties can grow up to 2m.

Mulching

Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.

Spraying

Spraying should not be needed for sunflowers.

Beginner Tip

If you want to harvest your own Sunflowers seeds, harvest after the petals have fallen and the entire flower head has gone brown. You will need to cover the flower head with mesh so the birds do not take the seed.

Expert Tip

Sunflowers are a great companion for cucumbers, melons, sweetcorn, and squash. Sunflowers are known to release a toxin that can inhibit he growth of some plants, so it is best not to plant near Potatoes or beans.

Frequently Asked Questions