Planting and Care Tips for Ornamental Sunflowers
Ornamental sunflowers can be planted in courtyards or gardens, and their ornamental effect is very good. Generally, after ornamental sunflowers are sown and sprout, they need to be transplanted and planted out, and the care at this time is very important for the future growth of ornamental sunflowers.
Ornamental Sunflower
1. Temperature: The optimum growing temperature is 21-27°C during the day and 10-16°C at night. If the temperature is on the low side in early spring, the plants grow slowly, which directly affects the flowering time. If the temperature exceeds 30°C during the growing period and the temperature difference is too small, the stems and leaves tend to grow leggy and the flowering period is shortened.
2. Water: The plants are large and the substrate is relatively small, so they must be watered promptly during the growing period, otherwise the leaves are prone to dehydration and wilting. However, it should not be too wet; if the humidity is too high, the lower leaves tend to turn yellow.
3. Fertilizer: Apply fertilizer once a week during the growing period, alternating with 800-fold diluted multi-purpose compound fertilizer in water.
4. Cultivation: Do not pinch back potted plants; a single flower is preferred. For potted tall-stemmed varieties, 20 days after sprouting, a 0.25%-0.4% B9 solution can be sprayed on the leaf surface to control plant height. If grown for flowerbed display, pinch back once, and the branches can produce 4-5 flowers.
How to grow ornamental sunflowers: Common varieties of ornamental sunflowers
Sunflowers always symbolize a positive attitude toward life, turning to follow the sun. Facing the sunlight, optimistic and strong. Many flower lovers like them; besides these symbols, they are very beautiful in appearance. Sunflowers are also classified and can be divided into several kinds. Let's learn about the cultivation methods of sunflowers together below.
Cultivation methods for ornamental sunflowers:
The optimum germination temperature for ornamental sunflowers is 22 to 30°C. They can germinate 5 to 7 days after sowing, and when 4 to 6 true leaves have developed, they are transplanted once. When the seedlings are about 10 cm tall, they are planted out, and soil is mounded around the roots to stabilize the root area and prevent lodging. After the plants are established, apply topdressing; both organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer give ideal results. After the flower buds form, more watering is advisable to keep the soil moist.
1. Dwarf sunflowers are 30 to 40 cm tall, with a flower diameter of 10 to 17 cm. The single petals are bright golden yellow, and the flower center is black. They generally flower 50 to 55 days after sowing, and are suitable for potted cultivation and flowerbed planting.
2. Seedling raising uses seed propagation, generally sown in April. The optimum temperature for germination is 15 to 18°C. They can be sown in shallow pots or shallow boxes. The medium should be loose, have good water retention, and be sterile. Sowing is best done by dibbling, with 2 seeds per hole. After sowing, cover with 1 to 2 cm of medium to maintain the humidity needed for germination, increase stability during the seedling stage, and reduce the occurrence of seedlings with seed coats still attached. They generally germinate 7 to 14 days after sowing. After emergence, pay attention to ventilation and cooling, control humidity, and gradually expose them to light.
3. Planting out and care: After the seedlings emerge completely, thin them out gradually, keeping 1 plant per hole. They can be planted out when the seedlings are 7 to 8 cm tall. Potting soil is best if it is rich in humus and a well-drained sandy soil. When planting out, apply sufficient base fertilizer at the bottom of the pot. When digging up the seedlings, keep as much soil as possible and damage the roots as little as possible, so the plants recover quickly. Dwarf sunflowers like a sunny and warm environment, and tolerate neither shade nor cold. During the growing period, apply fertilizer once every 20 days, but before flowering, apply 2 to 3 topdressings of dilute phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Keep the soil consistently moist, and water promptly especially during high temperature and drought in summer. To make the terminal bud of the main stem grow strong and healthy, the axillary buds can be removed. For those with somewhat taller stems, set up supports to prevent lodging from wind. Pollinate by hand when flowering to increase the seed-setting rate.
Common varieties of ornamental sunflowers:
1. "Pacino" is a brand-new sunflower variety. Its spherical, naturally dwarfed plant form is very suitable for container growing. "Pacino" is only 50 cm tall, has a dwarf habit, and a compact plant form, and can produce a large number of branches; these lateral flower heads ensure the plant forms a full round ball. 'Pacino' is a perfect potted flower variety. "Pacino" needs only 60 days from sowing to flowering. It comes in five flower colors: golden yellow with black center, golden yellow with yellow center, lemon yellow, red, and red-yellow bicolor.
2. Sunflower "Waooh" is a sunflower variety with large numbers of gorgeous golden-yellow flowers and green decorative leaves. "'Waooh" is 90 cm tall. The abundant flowers bloom at the top of the plant, and the black flower centers set off the golden-yellow petals even more brightly. Its highly decorative dark green leathery leaves are equally charming. "Waooh" has a relatively long life, and usually flowers later than other sunflower varieties, so it is an ideal plant material for bringing colorful beauty to late summer.
3. Sunflower "Autumn Time" is a highly groundbreaking sunflower variety. "Autumn Time" is 120 cm tall and is the first medium-tall mixed-color sunflower variety, with flower colors including golden yellow, red, and brown. The main stem can produce a large number of branches, making it very suitable for cut flowers.
4. Sunflower "Golden Glow" is a very eye-catching sunflower variety. It can grow a large number of golden-yellow flower heads, forming a golden-yellow hedge. "Golden Glow" is 160 cm tall with a crown width of 90 cm. It has strong branching and the plant is very compact. It flowers extremely abundantly, with bright golden-yellow large flowers reaching 15 cm in diameter. "Golden Glow" needs only 60 days from sowing to flowering, making it an ideal cut flower variety.
5. Sunflower "Golden Autumn" is the only sunflower variety whose flower center has stunning geometric patterns. "Golden Autumn" is 70 cm tall. Brilliant golden-yellow petals surround a fresh green flower center, very attractive. "Golden Autumn" is a perfect choice for fresh cut sunflower bouquets.
6. Sunflower "Bright Sun". "Bright Sun" is a dwarf double-flowered sunflower variety. It is 60 cm tall with a flower diameter of 15 cm. The large golden-yellow flowers are highly double and bloom abundantly.
7. Sunflower "Moonlight". Its green flower center is its distinguishing feature. Unlike ordinary sunflowers with black centers, it gives people a fresh feeling.
8. Sunflower "Cocoa", a red variety of sunflower, is very special but not particularly easy to cultivate, and sometimes it even turns "so red it looks black."
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Management methods for dwarf sunflowers after planting out, and points to note in their care
When it comes to sunflowers, I believe everyone is familiar with them. So, how much do you know about ornamental sunflowers? Is there anything that needs special attention in the cultivation methods for ornamental sunflowers? Today, the editor will introduce in detail the management methods for ornamental sunflowers after planting out. Let's learn together with the editor.
After ornamental sunflowers are sown and sprout, we need to transplant and plant them out. Ornamental sunflowers need ample sunlight throughout their entire growth and development period. If there is continuous rain or they grow in a semi-shaded environment for a long time, the stems will not be upright, the leaves will be soft, drooping, and yellow-green, and the flower discs will be small and irregular.
Temperature:The optimum growing temperature is 21-27°C during the day and 10-16°C at night. If the temperature is on the low side in early spring, the plants grow slowly, which directly affects the flowering time. If the temperature exceeds 30°C during the growing period and the temperature difference is too small, the stems and leaves tend to grow leggy and the flowering period is shortened.
Water:The plants are large and the substrate is relatively small, so they must be watered promptly during the growing period, otherwise the leaves are prone to dehydration and wilting. However, it should not be too wet; if the humidity is too high, the lower leaves tend to turn yellow.
Fertilizer:Apply fertilizer once a week during the growing period, alternating with 800-fold diluted multi-purpose compound fertilizer in water.
Cultivation:Do not pinch back potted plants; a single flower is preferred. For potted tall-stemmed varieties, 20 days after sprouting, a 0.25%-0.4% B9 solution can be sprayed on the leaf surface to control plant height. If grown for flowerbed display, pinch back once, and the branches can produce 4-5 flowers.
The above is all the content I have learned about sunflowers today. I hope flower lovers will find it helpful after reading this article. To learn more about sunflowers, please continue to follow Succulent Garden, and we will provide you with more related knowledge!