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 grow your own 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 grow your own sunflowers, follow Let’s study this illustrated tutorial on growing sunflowers from the Production Department.
How to grow your own sunflowers
1Choose a sunflower that suits your garden needs. Although most varieties of sunflowers will grow several feet tall, there are some miniature varieties that do not exceed 3 feet in height.
- Mammoths: They may have been extinct before, but you read that right! You can grow your own mammoths and bring them back from the dead!
- Autumn Beauty: This one produces very large flowers that can grow up to six feet in diameter. It is named for its resemblance to the autumn spectrum of flowers. Copper and reddish-brown flowers are uncommon on this large stem, which can reach 7 feet tall.
- Sunbeam: Sunbeam varieties are medium-sized, about 5 feet tall, and produce flowers about 5 feet in diameter. The flowers of sunflower are long and asymmetrical, and the center of the flower is usually yellow, adding a lot of appeal to the bouquet.
- Teddy Bear: This miniature flower can grow up to about 3 feet tall and is perfect if you don’t have a lot of space in your garden.
2Find a sunny flower bed. Sunflowers grow in temperate and tropical climates, with plenty of sunshine during the day. The climate with long, hot summers is ideal for growing sunflowers. 
3Find a place that is protected from the wind. If possible, it is best to shield your sunflowers from the wind. Plant sunflower seeds along the fence around the house or behind a row of strong trees. If possible, plant sunflowers on the north side of your garden. This will prevent the sunflowers large flower paths from blocking sunlight from other plants in the garden. 
4Check the pH of the soil. Sunflowers prefer slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. However, sunflowers are relatively tolerant and can basically grow in most types of soil. - Your local Agricultural Extension Agency should have soil forms, packages and instructions available. After conditioning the soil, test the pH level.
- If the pH level is below 6.0, use an acidic mix or mixed fertilizer to make the soil more fertile.
- If the soil pH is above 7.5, mix in granular sulfur to lower the pH level.
5Make sure your soil drains well. Although sunflowers are extremely adaptable, one thing that can harm them is soil with too much moisture. - Make sure your flower bed has proper drainage, otherwise build a simple planting box instead.
- If necessary, build a raised garden planter box out of cedar boards, about 8 feet in length. Fir is a great choice for gardens because it won't rot when exposed to water.
6Warm the soil well before planting. Plant sunflower seeds in early summer when the soil has completely warmed. This is usually between mid-August and late May.
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 care for sunflowers. Picture tutorial of planting sunflowers
How to choose seeds for planting sunflowers? Illustrated tutorial for planting sunflowers
