Quick notes
Sunflowers , with their upbeat peak and loom elevation , are a captivating accession to any garden . The Sunflower Big Smile miscellany is in particular spectacular , swash big , double - flowered head thatresemble pollyannaish grinning . If you ’re eager to school thisradiant mantrap , follow thiscomprehensive guideon how to plant sunflower Big Smile .
Choosing the Right Location
Sunflowers flourish infull sunlightfor at least six hours per twenty-four hour period . Select a site with well - enfeeble grime that is ample inorganic matter . Avoid areas with impenetrable clay soil or poor drainage .
Preparing the Soil
Before planting , better the soil with compost or well - rotted manuretoimprove fertilityand drainage . Theideal ground pHfor helianthus is between 6.0 and 7.5 .
Planting Depth and Spacing
Plant sunflower Big Smile seed 1 - 2inches deepin the soil . Space the ejaculate 12 - 18 inches apart to allowample roomfor growth .
Watering
Water theseeds deeplyafter planting . Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the germination period of time ( 7 - 14 twenty-four hours ) . Once established , sunflowers are comparatively drought - broad and require watering only during extended dry spells .
Fertilizing
Fertilize sunflowers once a month with abalanced fertilizer . invalidate over - fertilizing , as this can lead to excessive foliation increase and weaker stems .
Supporting Tall Stems
Assunflowers grow tall , they may require support to prevent the stems from snapping in strong wind . post theplants looselywithbamboo polesor twine .
Deadheading
Deadhead spend bloom to encourage newflower productionand maintain a tidy appearance . Remove any diseased ordamaged foliageas well .
Harvesting
Sunflowers are ready to glean when the back of theflower head turn brownand the source are embonpoint . Cut the heads and cling them upside down in a dry , well - ventilated areato ironical . Once dry , remove the seeds from the heads and store them in an airtight container .
Troubleshooting
Leggy helianthus : Insufficient sunlightor over - fertilizing can causeleggy sunflower . supply fair to middling sun and avoid over - fertilizing . Pests : Aphids , wanderer mites , and slugs caninfest sunflower . Treat infestations withinsecticidal soapor neem petroleum . Diseases : Sunflowers are susceptible to disease such aspowdery mildewanddowny mildew . Prevent disease by providing good air circulation and debar overwatering .
Recommendations: Cultivating a Garden of Smiles
grow sunflower Big Smile is a rewarding experience that bring in a burst of cheerfulness to your garden . By come these steps , you’re able to enjoy theradiant bloomsandcheerful smilesof thesemagnificent plantsfor time of year to come .
Information You Need to Know
Q : How tall can sunflower Big Smile grow?A : Sunflower Big Smilecanreach heightsof 6 - 8 feet . Q : What is theblooming periodfor sunflower Big Smile?A : Sunflowers typically bloomfrom mid - summer to early fall . Q : Cansunflower Big Smilebe grown in containers?A : Yes , but take alarge containerwith a diameter of at least 18 inches to accommodate the plant ’s root organisation . Q : How often should I water sunflower Big Smile?A : Water deeplyonce a week , or more oft during spicy , teetotal weather condition . Q : What type of fertiliser is best for helianthus Big Smile?A : Use abalanced fertilizerwith a proportion of 10 - 10 - 10 or 12 - 12 - 12 .
