Sunflower Watering Methods and Fertilizing Tips

Many flower and plant growers want to keep a pot of sunflowers at home. Its growing method is very simple, and its growth cycle is not very long, so it does not take too much time to care for it. But sunflowers grow by turning to follow the sun, so their water requirements are still relatively high. Next, the editor will introduce the sunflower watering methods.

Sunflower Watering Methods

1. Open-field sunflowers

1. When sowing: Whether planting seeds or seedlings, after they are put into the soil, water timely to keep the soil moist.

2. From sowing to budding: During this period they are relatively drought-tolerant and do not need much water. And a relatively dry environment is beneficial to root growth.

3. Budding stage: Control watering. During this period the plants are tall, with abundant leaves, and water consumption is relatively high, so water timely. Especially under conditions of high temperature and strong light, supplemental watering is needed to avoid leaf wilting and effects on growth. Even more, avoid the plants being too dry and then adding a large amount of water.

For sunflowers grown in open fields, the root system is relatively well developed, they are cold-tolerant, and their water requirement is relatively low. In spring there is no need to water too much; in summer, as temperatures rise, water evaporates faster and supplemental watering is needed.

2. Potted ornamental sunflowers

1. Sowing and transplanting: At this time keep the soil moderately moist. During the seedling stage keep the potting soil moist and supply sufficient water. If in summer, when the temperature reaches above 25°C, increase the amount of watering or the frequency of watering.

2. Growth period: Water timely to prevent leaves from dehydrating and wilting. But do not water too much at one time; overly wet potting soil will make the leaves turn yellow. For watering during the growth period, Jian Yin uses the immersion method: put the whole flowerpot into a basin filled with water, let the water cover two-thirds of the flowerpot, and soak it in the basin for 15-20 minutes, so that the potting soil becomes more thoroughly moist.

For potted sunflowers, the plants and flowers are relatively smaller, they do not produce sunflower seeds, and a notable feature is that the plant is large while the pot is small.

How to Fertilize Sunflowers

1. Base fertilizer

Type: Mainly organic fertilizer; use chemical fertilizer as little as possible.

Fertilizing period and method: For home growing, there is no need to follow agricultural planting; usually before planting the small seedlings, mix the fertilizer evenly into the soil. Or after planting, dig several holes 2-3 cm deep around the plant and apply the fertilizer into them.

Fertilizer amount: 5-10 g of organic fertilizer per plant; if the plant is relatively large, the amount can be appropriately increased.

2. Seed fertilizer

Purpose: To strengthen seedlings, apply timely after the seeds germinate. Mainly use calcium phosphate with a small amount of urea.

Usage: 3-5 days after the seeds germinate, sprinkle the fertilizer on the surface of the potting soil. Or apply it 2-3 cm beside the seeds. Combined with sowing, apply organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer 2-3 cm below the seeds, or 2-3 cm beside the seeds.

3. Topdressing

Type: Mainly nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented by potassium fertilizer. You can choose urea, potassium chloride and other fertilizers, or decomposed human manure and urine, plant ash, etc.

Time: According to the plant's growth condition, soil conditions, and the base fertilizer applied, carry out reasonable topdressing. But topdressing is mainly concentrated in the period from sunflower budding to flowering.

Method: Dig small pits 10-15 cm away from the sunflower and apply fertilizer. Pay attention to the depth of fertilization, avoid direct contact with the root system, and apply it in the moist water layer, which helps the fertilizer exert its effect.

4. Foliar spraying

Sunflower foliar fertilizer is mainly sprayed after budding. After budding, spray zinc, copper, manganese, and molybdenum solutions; after flowering, spray nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium solutions, which can make the flowers bright and the leaves tender green.

Management of the Four Growth Stages of Sunflowers

1. Seedling stage

The stage from emergence to budding is called the seedling stage. During this stage, the aboveground part of the sunflower grows relatively slowly, while the underground root system grows faster. This stage is the stage with the strongest drought resistance for sunflowers.

During this stage, water about once a week, fertilize once every half month, and ensure sufficient sunlight.

2. Budding stage

The budding stage is the most vigorous stage in the sunflower's life. During this period, sunflowers need the most fertilizer and water. If this stage cannot meet the sunflower's needs for water and fertilizer, it will seriously affect the sunflower's yield.

3. Flowering stage

The flowering stage refers to the flower disk from the opening of the ray florets to the tubular florets. During this stage, adjust the sunflower's sowing period, choose the appropriate time to fertilize and water, prevent and control pests and diseases, and adopt methods such as releasing bees or artificial supplementary pollination, which can increase the sunflower's seed-setting rate.

4. Maturity stage

At this stage there are differences among different sunflower varieties. About 15 days after flowering and pollination is the stage of seed formation. During this period, it is best to place it in an environment with clear weather and a large temperature difference between day and night, and maintain appropriate soil moisture.

When Do Sunflowers Bloom

Sunflowers are also called sunflowers. Generally speaking, if sunflowers are sown in April, the flowering period is July-August, and the seed maturity period is August-September.

However, when growing sunflowers, methods can be adopted to make them bloom all year round. This requires accumulated temperature; basically, as long as the plant accumulates a certain amount of temperature during growth, it can bloom.

There are still relatively many sunflower varieties. If some flower lovers are only planting them for ornamental purposes, the editor suggests choosing small ornamental sunflowers. However, large varieties can produce seeds for eating, and their seeds have high economic value on the market.