spring up sunflowers in California is an incredibly rewarding experience . The sunny climate and fertile soil of the Golden State make it an ideal positioning for cultivating these beautiful , vibrant flowers . With stack of sun and water system , sunflowers in California can maturate to incredible heights , urinate them both a stunning ornamental plant and a valuable source of food .
Not only are helianthus a great improver to any garden , but they are also beneficial for pollinators such as bee , butterflies , and hummingbird . With proper care and aid , sunflowers in California can bestow a lot of life and gloss to any outdoor outer space .
California climate and growing zones
Climate Zone 5A is the cold and driest region of California , stretching from the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in the north to the Mojave Desert in the south . This zona experiences dusty winters and blistering summers , with temperatures ranging from -10 ° F to 90 ° F . In the summertime months , temperature often reach into the triple digits , making it a difficult place for plant to survive . Trees , bush , and perennials that are native to this surface area include pinyon pine , juniper , sage brush , and desert willow tree .
Climate Zone 6A is retrieve in the Central Valley , debase from Sacramento to Bakersfield . This neighborhood has longsighted , hot summers and mild winters , with temperature ranging from 20 ° atomic number 9 to 99 ° F . Trees , shrubs , and perennial that are native to this expanse let in various oak species , lacewood , redbud , and California lilac .
Climate Zone 7A encompasses the Bay Area , stretching from San Francisco to Santa Rosa . This region has mild , wet winters and dry , strong summers , with temperature rove from 20 ° atomic number 9 to 95 ° F . Trees , shrubs , and perennials that are aboriginal to this expanse include coast live oak tree , California buckeye , Arbutus menziesii , and coast redwood .
Climate zones 8a through 10b
Climate Zone 8A is retrieve in Southern California , stretch from San Luis Obispo to San Diego . This region has mild winters and hot , ironical summer , with temperatures ranging from 20 ° degree Fahrenheit to 95 ° F . Trees , shrubs , and perennials that are native to this expanse admit various oak tree species , redbud , desert willow , and California lilac .
mood Zone 9A is found along the coast , stretching from Santa Barbara to San Diego . This part has nerveless , moist winters and tender summer , with temperatures ranging from 25 ° F to 85 ° fluorine . Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , shrubs , and perennials that are native to this area let in coast live oak , California buckeye , manzanita , and coast redwood .
Climate Zone 10B is found in the desert neighborhood of California , stretching from the Mojave Desert in the north to the Colorado Desert in the south . This region live hot , dry summer and balmy winters , with temperature ranging from 25 ° F to 105 ° atomic number 9 . Trees , shrubs , and perennials that are native to this orbit let in the creosote bush , Joshua tree , cholla , and ocotillo .
Growing sunflowers in California
The Mediterranean clime of California is perfect for sunflowers and cater an abundance of sunshine and warm temperature for the plant life to thrive . Sunflowers need at least six time of day of verbatim sunlight each 24-hour interval , and in California , you ’ll get plentitude of that . The fond temperatures will boost the plant to flower , providing you with a brilliant and cheerful display .
California is habitation to a all-embracing multifariousness of sunflower varieties , from large , showy flush to smaller plants that are ideal for edging or container garden . sunflower are easy to acquire from seminal fluid and take minimal attention , making them a great option for beginner gardener . In California , you could sow your sunflower seeds any time between previous February and mid - April .
Once your flora have established themselves , you ’ll need to provide them with regular watering , especially during teetotal spells . However , if you hold up in a cool mood in California , you may have some difficulty maturate sunflowers . cool temperatures can cause the plant to become stunt and may foreclose them from flowering . In these cases , it ’s best to look until the temperature warm up before planting your sunflowers .
Some of my favorite smorgasbord of helianthus include :
When to start sunflowers indoors in California
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 hebdomad before your final frost date . In California , the final freeze dates are :
You should also consider the size of the variety of sunflower you are planting , as short varieties can be planted later and taller varieties will need to be started a hebdomad or two in the beginning . Sunflowers should be start indoors :
begin sunflowers from come is a relatively easy mental process that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To commence , you will need to buy helianthus seed from a garden center or online . When pick out seeds , make certain to look for the desired change you want to maturate . Once you have your seed , you’re able to choose to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last hoarfrost date for your part .
fulfill a seminal fluid tray with starter stain and moisten it with a nebulizer nursing bottle . Place your seeds on top of the soil , plow them softly with starter soil , and irrigate them softly . post the tray in a strong and sunny spot , and keep the stain moist . Once your plants have grown 2 - 3 sets of leaves , you could transpose them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in California
helianthus cum should be planted alfresco after the last intermediate frost particular date for your arena . Planting helianthus seed too early can result in pitiable germination and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a hard freeze .
When planting out of doors , check that the area has plenty of sunshine and well - debilitate grunge . Dig a yap that is double the size of the radical egg , and sate the hole with compost or aged manure . localise the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil , then water deeply .
For the remainder of the helianthus ’s life , make certain to keep the ground moist and fertilise on a regular basis . With right care , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no time !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in California
When sunflower seeds are quick to be harvest , the back of the flower head will be dry and commence to sprain brownish . The individual seeds will be dry and immobile . The green stubble surround the seeded player will have turned yellow or white-hot and begin to dry out out . To see if the seminal fluid are ready to be harvested , lightly nobble the semen head between your thumb and forefinger . If the husks break open well , the seeds are ready to reap .
harvest home sunflower seed is easy . curve the flower head off the root and overspread it out on a fresh surface . To remove the seeds , utilize your hands to scratch the flower head and free the seeds . pull in the seed in a large bowl or container . Once the seeds are harvested , put in them in an airtight container in a cool , juiceless place . verify the container is well seal to keep the seeds from going bad . Sunflower cum can last for up to a year if hive away properly .
helianthus cum are delicious and nutritious collation food . They can be eaten raw , toasted , or sprouted . Sunflower semen are also used in salad , grain , granola , and energy bar . They are adulterate with essential vitamins and mineral like Vitamin E , phosphorus , Mg , and zinc . helianthus cum can also be used to make helianthus cum butter , which is a great choice to peanut butter .
In addition to being a healthy snack , sunflower ejaculate are also used to make birdseed . you could allow for your helianthus intact outside well after the flower have died to give your local birds a tasty bite !
