Sunflower is a strong, easy-to-grow annual plant. They will brighten up any garden with their eye-catching crowns and petals. Sunflowers can grow anywhere, ranging from 2 to 15 feet tall depending on the species, and their seeds can be harvested and eaten as a delicious treat. Follow the instructions below to learn how to grow, maintain and harvest sunflowers.
How to care for sunflowers is part of a series of tutorials on growing sunflowers. The tutorials also include preparing your garden, planting sunflower seeds, and caring for sunflowers. To learn how to care for sunflowers, follow Let’s learn this tutorial on planting sunflowers from the production department.
How to care for sunflowers
1Water the plants fully every other day. Adjust your watering frequency on particularly hot or cloudy days. Your sunflowers should bloom in mid- or late summer, about two to three months after planting.
2Tie to pole if necessary. If you live in a windy area or your flower paths are not strong enough, consider tying the plant with bamboo or wooden poles to help it bear the weight of the plant. 
3Eliminate pests and germs. Although relatively insensitive to insects, a small gray moth may lay its eggs on the surface of a sunflower flower. Just find these little bugs and get rid of them. - Sunflowers are also resistant to germs and mold. If such a problem occurs, spray some sterilant on the shower.
- Deer and birds will eat sunflowers. Netting is used to protect sunflowers from these animals.
4Collect flower seeds. When the seeds begin to turn yellow on the edges and the oiran begins to droop, its time to pick sunflower seeds. Look at the flowers two feet along the path and hang the oiran down until it is completely edge-dry. Try to choose a dry, ventilated place to hang your flowers. - To make delicious roasted seeds, soak them in salt water overnight. Then drain and place on a baking sheet and bake in a low oven (temperature between 200F and 250F) until lightly browned.
- If you are going to put flowers in a vase, cut them at an angle in the morning before they are fully opened. Change the water in the vase every other day to keep the flowers looking fresh.
DIY Tips
- It’s best to let sunflowers grow where you plant them. Relocation is not suitable for sunflowers.
- If you don’t have enough space it’s better to plant fewer sunflowers, as each plant will be less strong if they are forced to compete for nutrients.
- Remember that sunflowers can grow very tall and block sunlight from other plants if you are not careful. Sunflowers always point in the direction the sun rises, so take this into consideration when planting.
- Soil type is not much of an issue for sunflowers. Well-drained soil with lots of mud, fertilizer, or a mixture will help them grow tall and strong.
- If pesky birds come to peck at the seeds, place a polygonal garden flannel on top of the sunflower to prevent the seeds from being eaten by birds.
- Keep the area around sunflowers free of weeds, and do not use chemicals or sow grass seeds near them.
Notes
- Deer love sunflowers. Be sure to plant it in a protected area where they can't eat it.
- Sunflowers don’t like cold weather! Avoid frosty weather and wait for warmer weather before planting.
- As soon as the seeds are sown, birds may peck them. Place netting over the sowing area to prevent birds from eating the seeds.
Growing sunflowers
How to grow your own sunflowers. Illustrated tutorial on growing sunflowers
How to choose seeds for planting sunflowers? Illustrated tutorial for planting sunflowers
