Can sunflowers be kept indoors? Indoor care precautions
I. Whether it can be placed indoors
If they are its cut flowers, of course they can be placed indoors, but they need to be replaced often. If it is a potted plant, try not to place it indoors. It itself has no adverse effects, but after being kept for a long time, it will grow many very small bugs, which is not good for the environment. Moreover, it likes sunlight. If it is often placed in the house, it will grow leggy, the leaves will turn yellow, but it will not produce flowers, so it is best to place it on a balcony outside.
II. Daily care
Before blooming
1. It can grow to 3 m tall and belongs to the genus Helianthus. Its whole body, including root, stem, leaf, flower and fruit, consists of five parts in total.
2. It likes relatively abundant light and has strong phototropism. If the sun is relatively strong, it will not grow leggy, and the seedlings can grow sturdy.
3. After it sprouts, the soil should be kept moist at first. After it grows 2 true leaves, it should alternate between dry and wet. When it has grown 4 or 5 true leaves and the temperature is 15 to 30°C, fertilize it.
4. Before its flowers appear, apply nitrogen fertilizer to it; after the flowers appear, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. In spring, reduce the frequency of watering; in hot seasons, increase the frequency. Each time you water, water thoroughly.
Flowering period
1. Once it has grown flowers, there is no need to apply more fertilizer. If fertilizer is applied during its flowering period, it is very likely to have a bad effect on its flowers.
2. It is best to wait a period of time and consider fertilizing after the flowers fade. You can apply more compound fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium, which can make its fruit mature faster.
3. After its flowering period ends, the outermost yellow petals will fall off on their own. If there are no insects to pollinate it during the flowering days, it can be done manually. Wipe its flower disc every day with a relatively soft towel or cotton swab, and seeds can be obtained.
4. Its flowering generally lasts ten days. The first day is called the early flowering stage, and days 2-6 are the full flowering stage. This period is the best time for pollination. After the seventh day comes the late flowering stage, and the number of flowers gradually decreases. At this time, pollination no longer has much effect.
5. When its involucre turns yellow, it can be harvested. At this time the petals have already fallen off, and the seeds are also plump. It has fully grown.