Tallest sunflower and largest head challenge

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Richard360, Mar 23, 2016.

  1. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    I sowed mine on Apr 5th last year - even then it was a bit early as they get going very quickly and needed to go outside before the last frost, so they got a bit root bound.

    Has anyone tried sowing them direct in the soil?
     
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    • Linz

      Linz Total Gardener

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      Oh never, maybe I'll hold off another week or so. Only grown them twice before, once with the old man and once with my daughter, both in pots. Might try sowing direct, have a go in it John!
       
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      • martin-f

        martin-f Plant Hardiness Zone 8b

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        Last year was my first year at growing anything, I planted mine direct, plus the squirrel help along the way they popped up all over the place.
         
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        • Fern4

          Fern4 Total Gardener

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          Count me in then....although I'm still unpacking and can't find my seed tins anywhere :gaah: I'm not meant to be growing anything this year as the house needs work but a few sunflowers can't do any harm :mute:

          Yep and they were fine...I'll be doing the same this time but I won't sow until the end of April. I'll have to grow in pots too so I doubt I'll get any whoppers but at least I'll be sowing something this year! :yahoo:
           
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          • Scrungee

            Scrungee Well known for it

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            Works well for large heads as they'll grow sturdier if down in open ground, but protect seedling from slugs.
             
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            • Linz

              Linz Total Gardener

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              with what? will a plastic pint cup do?
               
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              • JWK

                JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                I'll be using a shotgun, I'm taking this challenge seriously :)
                 
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                • Linz

                  Linz Total Gardener

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                  They've attacked my lupin already, I swore to poke their eyes out they attack again!
                   
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                  • Richard360

                    Richard360 Super Gardener

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                    I lost a few sunflower to them last year this year I will be putting a ring of pellets round each one
                     
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                    • Richard360

                      Richard360 Super Gardener

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                      image.jpeg This is my best step last your with the Mrs
                       
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                      • Craig1987

                        Craig1987 Gardener

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                        wow, how on earth do you support something that big?
                         
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                        • kyleleonard

                          kyleleonard Total Gardener

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                          I'll take part - hoping for some whoppers :spinning::blue thumb:
                           
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                          • Scrungee

                            Scrungee Well known for it

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                            That's what JWK's doing.

                            I might try some sacrificial French Marigolds planted close by (with slug pellets amongst them).
                             
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                            • Richard360

                              Richard360 Super Gardener

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                              I used some 7 foot canes zip tied together to help support it but this year I have a 2.4 meter 3x2 to help them if we get a big one
                               
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                              • JWK

                                JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                                I'll be getting my granddaughters to help as they did last year:
                                20150912-P9120025.jpg
                                 
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