Everyone require a unique garden , which is why people often rick to beautiful blooms that are difficult to grow or that   may haveinvasive tendency . Never fear ;   there are some quite various and well-off - to - find works that can add zing to your garden ! helianthus are a democratic choice among expert and amateur gardeners alike . These gorgeous herbs are more than just a wonderful ornament and theybloom all summer !

Sunflowersattract pollinators , yield yellow dye , and raise seeds you may use to make oil and food for thought . But what happens when you do n’t have a backyard to maturate these beauties ? Do n’t vex , if you do n’t have enough earth space to grow them , here ’s a step - by - step tutorial on how to grow helianthus in containers !

What to Consider When Growing Sunflowers in Containers

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While it is potential to grow common helianthus in containers , in theory , it is believably not the best idea , unless you have at least a 10 - Imperial gallon container , because they have a taproot that can farm to 10 feet !

If you miss the space or the container , it ’s better to grow a mid - sizing smorgasbord , such as Taiyo , or midget varieties , such as the Sungold Dwarf or Lemon Queen . These wo n’t take up too much space and are also quite easy to maintain .

Hydrangeas in various shades on pink

However , it is important to recollect a few things when picking the right container for your sunflowers :

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To plant your sunflowers in containers , you will demand the following materials and tool :

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Step-by-Step Tutorial to Growing Sunflowers in Containers

Step 1: Choosing the Sunflower Variety and the Container

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you could easily findsunflower seedsin most horticulture storage and greenhouse . However , if you are looking for a rare type , lookonline . For best results , appear for nanus varieties , because larger single develop intimately in the ground or in very large containers .

Pro backsheesh : If you have it away someone with fully grown sunflowers in their garden , take some of their seeds , andstore them in an airtight container . you’re able to store them in the electric refrigerator until you ’re quick to utilise them ; however , plant them as cursorily as possible as older seeds will not be as easy to grow .

endless summer hydrangea in bloom

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Your container size of it will be based on the height and the figure of helianthus you want to plant . Typically , if you are institute dwarf sunflower , use a 12 to 16 - in pot for two or three sunflower ejaculate . As a rule of ovolo , use one seed for each 6 - in mint .

Pro baksheesh : If you are reusing a container , make certain you sterilize it well and that it has enough drainage holes .

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front forpotting soilandpotting compostthat will allow your helianthus to boom . Sunflowers prefer filth that is slightly acid ( with apHbetween 5.5 and 6.8 ) .

Pro tip : If you are using topsoil of high timbre , do n’t add drainage material because this may really hinder the movement of water and stop proper drain .

mini sunflower growing in pot

Terracotta pot with organic soil inside and some outside with green leaf on the old cement floor

Step 2: Planting Your Sunflower

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advertise seminal fluid gently into the grime at about a 1 - column inch deepness . If you require to plant more than one seed , allow about 5 column inch of outer space between each seminal fluid . Remember the one seed per 6 - inch dope formula for levelheaded ontogeny .

Pro backsheesh : Add a tenuous layer of compost on the top after you ’ve put the seeds in for optimum results .

Terracotta pot with organic soil inside and some outside with green leaf on the old cement floor

Terracotta pot with organic soil inside and some outside with green leaf on the old cement floor

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sunflower require at least 2 gallons of water each week while the seeds are germinating . secure that the land is damp but well - drain . The good way to determine out if your plant life involve piddle is to stick your finger’s breadth in the grunge to quiz moisture . If the soil is moist , your works does n’t want a beverage , but if it ’s dry and crumbly , it want water .

Pro peak : If you see that your sunflowers have thin or infirm stem , this intend that they did n’t receive enough H2O .

sunflower seeds

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It will take about 10 day before your seeds become seedlings . remain irrigate the semen each daytime .

Pro summit : dame are quite drawn to sunflower seeds , so you may want to underwrite the seedlings with basket or sack up to provide protection .

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Step 3: Taking Care of Your Sunflower

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sunflower do n’t peculiarly postulate extra feed for their growth . However , fertilizer can make the colors on the petals much bolder . You should begin by using nitrogen liquid fertilizer , then change it to a phosphorus one once the bud start to bloom .

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potting soil

While the seedling are growing , they will require a band of verbatim sunlight . ensure that they get at the very least six to eight hour of sunlight a day .

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You will require to water sunflowers quite a bit . You should match the land every day – it should be moist . If you keep your sunflower outdoors , rainwater will compensate for some of the watering .

planting a seed

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While most dwarf varieties will not become magniloquent enough to need support , any variety that extend to over 3 feet should be attached to a stake to keep the flower head from founder or wilt .

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If your sunflower kind gives you a yield of edible seeds , then you should let the flower croak on the shank . You will see them become teetotal and right andready for harvesting . However , if your sunflowers are outdoors , you may have to cover them with clear to protect them from birds .

Pro tip : For use , you may keep the sunflower seeds in an airtight container for up to four month at room temperature . If you plan on using them to grow more sunflowers , it ’s best not to stack away them for too long .

In Summary

Sunflowers are a fantastic and beautiful increase to any garden . However , many people do n’t the blank space to raise mammoth – or even common – sunflowers . This is why they typically choose for the gnome varieties , which are very well suited for container cultivation . And while they may expect some extra tearing , in the end , it is utterly worth it .

Hopefully , this tutorial urge on you to uprise sunflowers in containers . As always , post your experiences and cerebration in the comment discussion section down below , and do n’t forget to partake in the article if you enjoy it .

felicitous Gardening !

seed sprouting

Chemical fertilizers isolated on white background.

Chemical fertilizers isolated on white background.

sunflower seedlings on window sill

warering sunflower

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sunflower seeds separated from flower