Sunflowers will grow most anywhere, even along roadways, as long as the soil has good drainage. They are very deep rooted, so when preparing the soil, dig down a foot or more to loosen and aerate the soil. I like to use a potato fork (some call it a turning fork), to loosen the soil, which works well even in rocky or clay type soils. Adding some organic material or well aged manure to the hole and mixing in with the dirt will help to keep the soil loose. Do not overdo the fertilizer, it can cause the plants to grow too quickly which may cause spindly stems. Sunflowers require support and the stem needs to be strong to help support the heavy developing flower heads. Very tall varieties will benefit from planting against a fence, trellis, or staking to keep the stems from bending as the flower head grows. The plants will also benefit from a wind barrier. Planting along the edge of a chicken run is ideal if it's located in full sun and out of direct wind. The wire fencing will lend support and the flower heads will develop where all you need to do is cut them and toss the entire head to the chickens if you are growing them for that purpose.
The main problem you may experience with growing sunflowers is that birds, mice and squirrels love those seeds, so when they begin to develop you may need to cover the heads with a netting or cheese cloth to discourage critters from devouring the seeds before you have a chance to harvest them.
When and how to plant:
Starting seeds indoors 6 weeks ahead of planting will give them a head start. The ground soil needs to be relatively warm, in the range of 55-60 degrees, which most Northern areas, is not until about July. Southern locations can likely plant as early as May after all danger of frost. Once the soil is prepared, place each seed to about 1 inch depth in the soil and cover. Each seed should be planted at least 6 inches apart and can be thinned so the strongest plants have ample area for their roots to grow without competing with other plants. Some varieties of Sunflower can be grown in deep containers, but many varieties will grow from 12-16 feet high, which would not make a good container plant. Check your seed supplier for the many varieties that suit your own planting situation. There is relatively little care needed once the ground is prepared and the seed is planted. The plants are drought and heat tolerant, but will benefit from a deep watering once a week. It is possible to plant at weekly intervals, so you are able to harvest up to your first frost. If the last to harvest are not fully ready, you can cut them and hang in a dry barn, garage or in the house to finish drying.
How to Harvest:
Most varieties are ready to harvest within 75 days. When the back of the sunflower head begins to turn golden to brown, and the flower head begins to droop they are ready to harvest. Cut the stem 4-6 inches from the flower heads. To harvest the seeds, use a wire brush or even a fork to remove the seeds. If you are growing the sunflower seeds for wild birds or chickens, you can leave them in the flower head to dry then place them out at different intervals throughout the fall and winter season.
How to use:
If you are growing them for your own use, remove the seeds as previously directed, boil in salt water, drain, then dry on a cooking sheet in an oven or in a dehydrator for 4-6 hours at 145-225 degrees or according to the manufacturer of your unit.
Note: Once hulled, the seeds can be ground into an alternative flour to use in baked goods, added to soups, and made into sunflower butter. The seeds can be hulled, seasoned and used as snacks or used to top salads.
Tip: Sunflowers can also be sprouted for the greens. Those sprouts are good for you and they are good for chickens, so you can feasibly grow the sprouts year round indoors, in a green house or in a cold frame.
Tip: Sunflowers make great cut flowers and will last long in a vase. The dried flower petals will add color to your dry potpourri for autumn decoration.
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- CREDENTIALS: Certified Oregon State Master Gardener since 1999. Horticulture degree 2001. Study of Herbs and Horticulture Therapy, heavy research and study of all plants and herbs. Gardening a lifetime.