Sun Flowers

I have just sown some sun flowers from a packet of seeds which i got from B&Q last week how long should it take until i see them growing from the ground as i have only planted 5 it is more for a laugh than anything else. Should i stake them to stop them from falling over or are they strong enough.
Never sown from seed before this is me trying new things

 

You definitely need something to hold up sunflowers - even if it's only lots more sunflowers!! You see that in fields in France, where they're grown as a crop. Here, most people grow them against a fence, hedge or wall, and have stakes too. Good luck - and hope for a great height with them!! Lots of photos please!!

 

Sunflowers are very eye catching I grow them every year, my boys , when they were younger had competitions to see who could grow the tallest. I have planted some small sunflowers this year called 'choc chip' sound good enough to eat, :D mabe not!

 

Sunflowers ususally show within a week (ideal for Primary School kids!)

This one was planted late (June) and reached about 8ft. by the end of September. It was grown against a wall and tied to a stake. The frost finally got to it in October before the seeds ripened so the birds missed out on a feed.



[ 14. April 2006, 12:15 AM: Message edited by: frogesque ]

 

Hi Barra
I don`t sow into the ground so i can`t help you too much.
Here`s the method i use for seeds that hasn`t failed me yet.
All my seeds are germinated in the top of my aquarium hood and they seem to love it.

Lights out: 74F and humid, lights on: 80+F and humid plus plenty of light for when they show themselves.
Sunflowers and tomato`s come up in 2 days, chilli`s in about 4 days (they seem to prefer higher germination temps 80+ ).
All the seedlings can stay in there until they are maximum of 5" tall if necessary, then they are banished to the window sills unless the weather is reasonable
Anyone with an aquarium with a tallish hood could do the same thing as they run 24/7.

 

I grow sunflowers and i allways find that the ones i start off in pots are the best ..if you plant them straight out in the ground you often find the seed gets eaten..i start my seeds off on window ledges and they soon grow..i usually put a little stick up them to support them till the third week in may and then i plant them out..i have grown some giants this way including a 10 foot one ...when they are getting past three foot you need a cane up them as the wind will soon damage them..