| MY DAUGHTER AND I HAVE TRIED THE PAST FEW YEARS TO GROW TALL SUNFLOWERS THAT WE CAN THEN FEED THE SEEDS TO THE BIRDS AND ALSO DRY ROAST AND EAT OURSELVES. WE HAVEN'T HAD ANY LUCK EVEN GETTING THE PLANTS TO GROW. CAN YOU HELP US PICK OUT A VARIETY THAT IS SURE TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND TELL US HOW TO GET STARTED? |
| Sunflowers thrive in average garden soil in a site that's sunny all day long. If you dig some organic matter (aged-compost, leaf mold or peat moss) into your soil it will help the roots of your plants grow strong. Dig the garden site first, then lay 3"-4" of organic matter over the top and dig it in to a depth of 6"-8". Once you've prepared the bed, sow sunflower seeds about 1/2" deep and water the bed well. Keep the soil moist but not soggy wet. The seeds should sprout within 2 weeks. Water deeply once each week and your sunflowers should flourish. The varieties I like best include 'Aztec Gold Hybrid', 'Paul Bunyan Hybrid' and 'Mammoth'. Sunflowers need a long, hot summer to mature so get those seeds in the ground as soon as possible! You can order online at http://www.burpee.com, or phone toll free (800) 888-1447. Hope you have a successful sunflower season! |
