When can you start growing sunflowers? Sunflowers, also known as sunflower plants, are perennials that can be planted all year-long. The sweet, colorful flowers that come in a rich array of colors add an elegant touch to any garden or front yard.

Sunflowers are among the easiest flowers to grow. Planting sunflowers is usually a simple and quick activity. By taking time to select the proper area and prepare the soil for planting, you provide these beautiful plants the best possible beginning. Most sunflowers tend to grow very tall, so they can cast long shadows on other flower garden plants. This is a good thing, because it means taller flowers will require less water, which will save your flowers from the stress of heavy rains.

Sunflowers are best planted in warm, sunny areas during the morning hours. After they have come up through the hot afternoon sun, the flowers will need just a small amount of water to keep them blooming. Remember to use a good soil fertilizer with organic additives for better growth and color of the plant. Most varieties will grow well even in poor soils, but you should still test the soil before planting so that you know if it will work with your chosen variety. Sunflower seeds can also be bought at most nurseries, but you should be sure to ask what kind of sunflowers will likely be planted. Sunflowers will bloom more readily in areas where the soil has been treated with manure or compost.

Sunflower flowers can survive without planting, but most flower gardeners enjoy planting sunflower seeds to increase their chances of planting more flowers. Planting your own Sunflowers is a good way to save money on gardening supplies. Even if you don’t have the time or patience to sow, plant, and tend to your Sunflowers, planting them yourself is an easy way to add another plant to your garden. You’ll be able to enjoy watching your new blooms as they grow. Before planting, it’s important to line the bottom of the bed with a wood or wire frame so that the roots don’t rot. Keep the planting area moist but not wet.

To germinate your seeds, place them in a plastic baggie a foot deep and cover with peat moss. This will keep the seeds from spreading because they will remain below the surface. When the seeds are sprouting, water lightly. Once they reach a certain size, remove them from the bags and spread them on the dirt. It’s important to not over-water them or the seeds will drown. Once the seeds are about half-way grown, transplant them outdoors into a large garden pot, making sure they are planted 6 inches apart.

When the growing season comes, you’ll want to dig a hole in the spot you’ve designated for planting, adding about one foot of topsoil. Plant your seeds in the hole using a fork or your hands. The amount of space needed will depend on how many plants you have. If you’re planting a big bunch, be sure to plant them all in one hole. Cover the soil in around 2 inches of water, which should be plenty during the growing season.

After planting, you should mulch the bed to help retain moisture. Mow the lawn during midsummer, and then cut the grass close to the seedlings when spring comes. Sunflowers will need a lot of sunlight to grow, so remember to provide them with as much of this light as possible. Place the bags of seeds on top of the mulch when the seeds are about half-way through the growing season, and transplant the seeds carefully when the leaves start to turn brown.

Sunflowers are ideal plants for the beginning gardener and will provide blooming flowers throughout the year. In addition to blooming flowers, the annual sunflower varieties also do very well as houseplants. If you don’t have room for an entire garden, plant the annual sunflower varieties upside down in a pot filled with water and cover the roots gently with soil. The flowers will come through the winter season with magnificent splashes of color.