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Pinedale, WY

My wife and daughter are growing some giant sunflower seeds we got from our club. We don't want to get to serious about it, but what are, say, the top 3 things we should know to have some success?

2/22/2008 6:05:52 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

Water
Lots of FERTILIZER
Stake up the stalks let the giant head droop down.

I always throw a sunflower seed into my pumpkin hill. They love the rich soil.

2/22/2008 8:49:34 PM

Pinedale, WY

What kind of ferts.?

2/22/2008 9:40:57 PM

Boulder County Colorado USA planet Earth

9-59-9 from 12inches tall to about 5 ft

some use 15-30-15

I use a schedule of ferts, switching as it grows

once it has seeds i use hot sauce around the base.

2/23/2008 9:33:57 PM

Klickitat Washington

Why the hot sauce? Just curious

2/23/2008 10:00:36 PM

Ohio

Once the seedling (that is in the ground) has a couple of true leaves use 10-52-10. Do not get any of the liquid soluable fert. get on the leaves (it will burn them). When the plant is over a foot tall go to a 20-20-20. Then when the plant is over 4 foot tall go to a 28-14-14. Push hard with the 28-14-14 2 to 4 times a week. One gallon per plant, if you see your leave go lime green, back off for awhile, you are pushing to hard.

2/25/2008 6:15:30 PM

Pinedale, WY

Cool thanks, I will try that.

2/25/2008 6:33:48 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

WOW! With a fertilizer regime like that I'd also be keeping an eye out for spider mites.

2/26/2008 12:59:17 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

When do you start giant sunflowers inside?
Thanks.

3/25/2008 2:13:15 PM