Dwarf Sunflower Growing Guide √ Flower Growing √ Plant Encyclopedia

The dwarf sunflower is a sunflower introduced from abroad, suitable for flowerbed planting. It generally grows 40 cm tall, with a flower head diameter of 30 cm, flowers on the main stem, and has strong adaptability. It is usually grown by raising seedlings and transplanting them; the seedling stage is 25-30 days, with a plant-to-row spacing of 40×60 cm. It can also be grown in pots for ornamental viewing, can be sown indoors at home in all four seasons, and can be grown in all regions.

1. Variety Selection

The Big Smile variety among dwarf sunflowers is recommended. This variety grows 30 to 40 cm tall, with a flower diameter of 10 to 17 cm, bright golden-yellow single petals, and a black center. It generally blooms 50 to 55 days after sowing and is suitable for potted and flowerbed planting.

2. Sowing

Seedlings are raised by sowing seeds, generally sown in April. The optimum temperature for germination is 15 to 18°C. A shallow pot or shallow box can be used for sowing; the medium should be loose, have good water retention, and be sterile. Spot sowing is preferable, with 2 seeds per hole. After sowing, cover with 1 to 2 cm of medium to maintain the moisture needed for germination, increase stability during the seedling stage, and reduce the occurrence of seedlings with seed coats still attached. Germination generally occurs 7 to 14 days after sowing. After seedlings emerge, pay attention to ventilation and cooling, control humidity, and gradually expose them to light. (The seeds do not need to be soaked. When planting the seeds, place them with the pointed end down. Just put two seeds in a small flowerpot about 20 cm in diameter! If you are worried about a low germination rate, you can also put in a few more seeds at the start!)

3. Cultivation

Keep the soil moist right after planting. After the seedlings emerge, as long as the leaves are not wilting, it does not count as lacking water! Do not water too much, otherwise the roots will rot. When watering, note that in hot weather, water early in the morning, a bit earlier, and if watering in the evening, a bit later. After the seedlings emerge, keep two to three seedlings; too many is not good for growth. Dwarf sunflowers like sunlight, so remember to maintain sufficient light, preferably more than 8 hours a day! Be sure to apply enough base fertilizer, mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, with nitrogen fertilizer applied lightly.

Planting Out and Care: After the seedlings have all emerged, thin them out gradually, leaving 1 plant per hole. They can be planted out when the seedlings are 7 to 8 cm tall. The potting soil should preferably be sandy soil rich in humus and well drained. When planting out, apply enough base fertilizer at the bottom of the pot. When digging up the seedlings, carry as much soil as possible and damage the roots as little as possible, so the plants recover more quickly.

During the growing period, fertilize once every 20 days, but before flowering, apply 2 to 3 additional light applications of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during high summer temperatures and drought, when timely watering is needed. To promote robust growth and development of the terminal bud on the main stem, the side (axillary) buds can be removed. For those with slightly taller stems, set up supports to prevent them from being blown over by wind. Hand pollination during flowering can increase the seed-setting rate.

4. Pest and Disease Control

Common pests and diseases include powdery mildew and black spot. When powdery mildew occurs, white round powdery spots begin to appear on the leaves, and after they expand they merge into one patch, after which small brown dots appear on the white powdery layer, and the plant stops growing. When black spot occurs, dark brown or light yellow lesions of varying sizes appear on the leaves, later developing into brown spots. The lesions connect to form large patches, causing the leaves to turn black and die. When the disease occurs, remove the remaining plants and spray 75{bf} chlorothalonil wettable powder at 500 times dilution or 70{bf} thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 800 times dilution for control. The main insect pests are plant bugs and red spider mites, which can be controlled by spraying 40{bf} omethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 800 times dilution or 73{bf} propargite emulsifiable concentrate at 1500 times dilution.