grow helianthus in Louisiana is an exciting and rewarding experience . With its lovesome and humid mood , Louisiana is one of the most ideal state in the country to cultivate sunflowers . Not only do they provide a promising and pollyannaish plus to any garden , but they also take minimum feat and resources to conserve .
helianthus are unique and long - lasting flora that is indisputable to bring a vibrant touch to any outdoor infinite . Plus , they are also an splendid source of intellectual nourishment for bee and other pollinators , making them an of the essence part of a healthy ecosystem . With a short know - how , anyone can grow and relish sunflowers in Louisiana .
Louisiana climate and growing zones
Louisiana is have a go at it for its hot , humid climate and the state has two growing zones : 8 and 9 . zona 8 is generally found in the northern part of the land , including the cities of Shreveport and Monroe , while Zone 9 is mostly found in the southern part of the land , including the metropolis of Baton Rouge and New Orleans .
In Zone 8 , summers are hot with temperatures reaching over 90 ° F ( 32 ° C ) on a even basis . Winters are modest , with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing . Rainfall is generally temperate , averaging around 40 inches ( 101 centimeter ) per year . This climate is desirable for many dissimilar type of plants , include repeated flowers , herb , and grasses .
In Zone 9 , summers are even hot with temperatures attain over 95 ° F ( 35 ° C ) regularly . winter are modest , and temperatures again rarely dip below freezing . rain is also broadly speaking restrained , averaging around 50 inches ( 127 cm ) per class . This climate is suitable for a variety of different plants , including many type of annual flowers , herb , and grasses .
Growing sunflowers in Louisiana
Growing sunflowers in Louisiana can be a rewarding experience if you are aware of the climate and take the necessary precautions . Louisiana is in a humid subtropical mood , so it has mild , wet winters and spicy , humid summers . helianthus expand in areas where the temperature is between 65 and 85 stage Fahrenheit and the soil is well - drained .
The best time to plant sunflowers in Louisiana is in early spring when the weather is still cool and the grease is moist . Planting in the early spring will give the helianthus plants a head start before the hot summer months arrive . Sunflowers need at least 6 hour of unmediated sunlight each day , so you should imbed them in a gay spot in your garden .
It ’s significant to irrigate your sunflower regularly in Holy Order to keep the soil moist . During the blistering summertime month , you may need to water your helianthus every solar day to ensure they are scram enough moisture . Mulching around the radical of the plants can help to keep the soil cool and hold back wet .
If you live in a frigid region of Louisiana , you may need to cover your sunflowers with a light cover or tarpaulin during the winter calendar month to protect them from frost . This will aid to keep the filth tender and prevent the plants from freezing .
Some of my favorite varieties of helianthus let in :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Louisiana
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your last icing date . In Louisiana , the final freeze dates are :
You should also regard the size of the variety show of helianthus you are imbed , as shorter varieties can be plant later on and taller potpourri will need to be started a hebdomad or two earlier . Sunflowers should be start indoors :
come out sunflower from come is a relatively easy appendage that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To start , you will involve to buy helianthus seed from a garden nerve center or online . When choose seeds , check that to await for the desired variety you want to grow . Once you have your seeds , you could opt to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date for your realm .
satisfy a semen tray with starter dirt and moisten it with a spray bottleful . Place your cum on top of the land , cover them lightly with starter grease , and irrigate them gently . Place the tray in a warm and cheery spot , and keep the soil moist . Once your plant have maturate 2 - 3 bent of leaves , you could transplant them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Louisiana
helianthus seeds should be planted outdoors after the last modal frost date for your expanse . Planting sunflower seeds too ahead of time can ensue in pitiful sprouting and seedling maturation and potentially death if there ’s a grueling halt .
When plant outside , make certain the area has sight of sunshine and well - drain soil . Dig a hole that is twice the size of the ascendant ball , and replete the yap with compost or aged manure . aim the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil , then water deeply .
For the remainder of the helianthus ’s life , ensure to keep the dirt moist and fertilize regularly . With proper care , you should have beautiful sunflower in no time !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Louisiana
When helianthus seeds are ready to be harvested , the back of the peak head will be teetotal and take off to turn dark-brown . The individual seeds will be ironical and immobile . The green husk surrounding the come will have turn yellowed or blanched and begun to dry out out . To see if the seed are ready to be harvested , softly crimp the seed head between your thumb and forefinger . If the husks break opened easy , the seeds are quick to harvest .
Harvesting sunflower seeds is well-situated . Cut the blossom head off the stem and unfold it out on a fresh surface . To hit the seeds , use your hands to rub the prime head and liberate the seeds . Collect the cum in a large arena or container . Once the seeds are glean , store them in an airtight container in a nerveless , dry office . verify the container is well varnish to keep the seeds from last bad . Sunflower germ can last for up to a year if stored properly .
helianthus seeds are delicious and nourishing collation nutrient . They can be eaten raw , toasted , or shoot . helianthus germ are also used in salad , cereals , granola , and energy bars . They are loaded with essential vitamin and minerals like Vitamin E , P , atomic number 12 , and atomic number 30 . helianthus seeds can also be used to make sunflower germ butter , which is a great alternative to peanut butter .
In addition to being a salubrious collation , helianthus seeds are also used to make birdseed . you may leave behind your sunflowers intact out of doors well after the flowers have died to give your local birds a tasty snack !
