How to fertilize sunflowers? The key lies in fertilization timing and fertilizer choice

Growing Techniques Jan 1, 1970 0 views

To make sunflowers grow healthily and vigorously, besides the correct sunflower growing methods, fertilization is essential, as it determines the quality of the flowers, the lifespan of the sunflowers, and so on. So what is the best way to fertilize sunflowers? Today we will take a detailed look at sunflower fertilization timing

How to fertilize sunflowers

Because sunflowers need different nutrients at different stages, the fertilizers applied at different periods also differ slightly. So how do you fertilize sunflowers? First you need to know the correct fertilization timing, and second you should understand several main types of fertilizer.

I. Sunflower fertilization timing

For sunflowers in the growing period, fertilize once about every 20 days. If it is before flowering, you should also apply 2-3 additional light applications of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. The specific fertilization time depends on when the sunflowers were planted. After fertilizing, be careful to keep the soil moist.

II. What fertilizer to apply to sunflowers

1. Base fertilizer

Type: mainly organic fertilizer, with chemical fertilizer as a supplement.

Application method: Before planting the seedlings, mix the fertilizer evenly into the soil. Alternatively, after planting, dig holes 2-3 cm deep around the plant and place the fertilizer inside.

Amount: 5-10 g of organic fertilizer per plant. If planting sunflowers on a large scale, how do you fertilize? The organic fertilizer needed per mu is 1000-2000 kg, and nitrogen fertilizer is 5-8 kg.

2. Seed fertilizer

Type: mainly phosphorus fertilizer

Application method: Within 3-5 days after the seeds sprout, scatter the fertilizer on the surface of the potting soil, or within 2-3 cm beside the seeds.

3. Top dressing

Type: nitrogen fertilizer, potassium fertilizer, urea, etc.

Application method: Dig small holes 10-15 cm away from the sunflower and apply the fertilizer into the small holes. Note that the fertilizer should not come into direct contact with the sunflower's roots.

4. Foliar spraying

After the sunflower buds appear, we also need to carry out foliar spraying. So how do you fertilize sunflowers at this time? Spray a 0.005% solution of zinc, copper, manganese and molybdenum on the sunflower leaves. This can promote flowering and make the flowers more vivid and the leaves greener.

Common mistakes in fertilizing sunflowers

1. Focusing on quantity rather than nutrient content

Some people think that when fertilizing sunflowers, as long as the quantity is sufficient it is fine, without paying attention to the content of the nutrients it needs. This is a fairly common mistake. When fertilizing sunflowers, you should pay attention to the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer applied.

2. Scattering fertilizer on the plant's stem when fertilizing

People think that scattering fertilizer on the stem helps the plant absorb nutrients, but in fact this practice is wrong, because the main part of the sunflower that absorbs nutrients is the root hair zone. If it is scattered on the stem, it may lead to too much fertilizer.

3. Waiting until the sunflower shows signs of nutrient deficiency before fertilizing

When we previously discussed what to do when sunflower leaves turn yellow, we mentioned one situation is yellowing due to nutrient deficiency, and this situation is actually caused by fertilization mistakes. Many people think that only when a sunflower shows signs of nutrient deficiency should it be fertilized, but doing so will lead to reduced yield.

4. Thinking fertilizer takes effect immediately after application

Some people think that after fertilizing, the fertilizer will take effect immediately. However, the sunflower's absorption of fertilizer is affected by many factors, such as water, temperature and so on. Generally, the effect can only be seen after 1-2 days.

Summary: Fertilizing sunflowers is not simply about increasing the number and amount of fertilizer applications, but about paying attention to nutrient content and fertilization timing. Just as people need to pay attention to nutritional balance, sunflowers also need nutritional balance to ensure high yield.

Sunflower watering methods and how to fertilize sunflowers

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

Sunflower watering methods

I. Open-field sunflowers

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

2. From sowing to budding: This period is relatively drought-tolerant, and the water requirement is not high. Moreover, a relatively dry environment is beneficial to root growth.

3. Budding stage: Control watering. During this period the plant is tall, with abundant leaves, and water consumption is relatively large, so water promptly. Especially under conditions of high temperature and strong light, supplemental watering is needed to prevent the leaves from wilting and affecting growth. Even more, avoid the plant becoming too dry and then replenishing with a large amount of water.

For open-field cultivated sunflowers, the root system is relatively well developed and cold-tolerant, and the water requirement is relatively low. In spring there is no need to water too much. In summer, as temperatures rise, water evaporates faster, so supplemental watering is needed.

II. 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 it is summer and the temperature reaches above 25°C, increase the amount of watering or the frequency of watering.

2. Growing period: Water promptly to prevent the leaves from dehydrating and wilting. But do not water too much at one time; excessively wet potting soil will make the leaves turn yellow. It is recommended to use the soaking method for watering during the growing period: put the whole flower pot into a basin filled with water, let the water cover two-thirds of the flower pot, and soak it in the basin for 15-20 minutes. This way the potting soil becomes more thoroughly moist.

Potted sunflowers have relatively smaller plants and flowers, do not produce sunflower seeds, and their notable feature is a large plant in a small pot.

How to fertilize sunflowers

1. Base fertilizer

Type: mainly organic fertilizer, use as little chemical fertilizer as possible.

Fertilization 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 inside.

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 the seedlings, apply promptly after the seeds sprout. Mainly use calcium phosphate with a small amount of urea.

Usage: 3-5 days after the seeds sprout, scatter 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. Top dressing

Type: mainly nitrogen fertilizer, with potassium fertilizer as a supplement. You can use urea, potassium chloride and other fertilizers, or decomposed human manure and urine, plant ash, etc.

Time: Reasonably top-dress according to the plant's growth condition, soil conditions and the base fertilizer applied. But top dressing is mainly concentrated in the period from sunflower budding to flowering.

Method: Dig small holes 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. This can make the flowers bright and vivid 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 when the sunflower has the strongest drought resistance.

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 a sunflower's life. During this period the sunflower needs 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 period from when the ray florets on the flower disc open to the tubular florets. During this stage, you should 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, once the plant has accumulated a certain amount of temperature during growth, it can bloom.

There are quite a lot of sunflower varieties. If some flower lovers are planting them only 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.