How do I grow sunflower seeds?
- Sunflower seeds prefer to germinate in warm soil (70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Directly sow sunflower seeds after the last frost date anywhere that receives direct sunlight
- Plant seeds about 1-1.5 inches deep into moist and well-draining soil
- Keep the soil damp, but never soggy
- Seedlings will emerge within 2 weeks
Growing sunflower seeds in containers
When choosing a container for growing sunflower seeds, you’ll want to invest in a deep pot to accommodate the sunflowers’ characteristically deep taproot. Depending on the variety, sunflowers can develop root systems that extend up to 4 feet deep into the soil.
If you have any deep pots to accommodate the sunflower’s taproot, by all means, give it a shot. However, if space is of concern, check out these smaller sunflower varieties that are less prone to outgrowing standard-sized planters.
| Variety | Description |
| Elves Blend Dwarf Sunflower Seeds – $2.49 from: Botanical Interests | A dwarf variety perfect for growing sunflowers indoors. These smaller flowers may grow up to 2 feet tall and the flowering heads are edible with a bittersweet flavor. |
| Sunflower Microgreens Seeds – $5.59 from: Botanical Interests | This microgreen variety is harvestable a few days after germination. Young sunflower heads taste similar to artichoke hearts. Perfect for growing under lights or a sunny windowsill. |
| Mongolian Giant Sunflower Seeds – $6.29 from: Botanical Interests | This larger variety of sunflowers is selected for abundant seed production. Recommended sowing directly into a garden bed/row. |
Should you transplant or direct sow sunflowers?
Direct sowing sunflower seed is the best option. It is essential to protect the juvenile sunflower’s underdeveloped tap root. Better to leave the flower in the ground than risk damaging its root system while transplanting it.
When sowing your seeds, consider sowing more than you need at first to minimize losses to birds and other related pests. After the seeds emerge, thin the young flower patch to reduce the competition for nutrients and maximize the size of flowering bulbs.
When should you sow sunflower Seeds?
Sow sunflower seeds only after the last frost of the year. Sunflowers are sun-loving and heat-tolerant, so late spring and early summer months are perfect times to get a batch of sunflower seeds started.
How/when to harvest from Sunflowers
After pollination, seeds will form toward the center of the sunflower’s brilliant yellow bloom. Sunflowers reach harvestable maturity once the back of the flowering head changes from green to yellow. At this point, the flower approaches the end of its blooming stage, and the seed head’s water content begins to dwindle.
To harvest sunflower seeds:
- Cover the flowering heads with some breathable fabric like an old t-shirt or cheesecloth to keep out pests like birds and squirrels.
- Harvest seeds after petals have wilted and when the back of the flower head has dried and yellowed, about 4 weeks after the flowers have been pollinated.
- Seeds tend to ripen around the outside of the dried head first.
- Hang flower heads in a cool, dry place indoors for 3 to 4 weeks.
- Seeds tend to ripen around the outside of the dried head first.
- Remove the seeds from the heads by pulverizing the heads or working the seeds free with your fingers.
- Keep the sunflower seeds dry either in a sealed container or in a cool, dry area.
Heirloom Beauties Sunflower Seeds
from: Botanical Interests