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Location

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Date Posted

Wood River, IL (kennyw_49@yahoo.com)

what do I need to know about growing these giant sunflowers to win this contest?

2/8/2011 4:31:14 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Kenny, get some decent seeds....and treat em like AG's!!! LOL
Oh yeah...a 10' to 15' support system might be needed, out of steel post's if yer growin for big heads!!! LOL
Seriously tho...a lot of good info will come onto this thread, I hope!!! Peace, Wayne

2/9/2011 1:54:40 AM

Western PA

I did a search last week and some info is out there on how to grow them. I am knew so I can't help.I have been watching this forum to see what comes up before spring gets here.

2/9/2011 9:21:15 AM

Rochester, NY

Like pumpkins, you need to start with the best seed you can find, off the shelf seed is a waste of time. Good competitive gardening practices are important with an emphasis on slightly higher than normal nitrogen to get them tall. Tall sunflowers have to be supported. Most growers plant on the south side of a building and run ropes, pipes or build some sort of wooden support. When the seedlings pop up start tying them to the support. Supported plants always grow taller than unsupported ones. Wind protection is also a must. Every time a plant gets blown around it spends energy on a thick stalk rather than height. My garden is out in the open and wind protection has proven difficult. Always plant seeds directly in the ground. Sunflowers immediately develop long tap roots that if disturbed take a long time to recover and will ruin your chances for a tall one.

2/9/2011 8:59:52 PM

Mississippi

I started my high dollar multiheads in peat pots last year. They all died. Hello!

2/9/2011 10:46:43 PM

California central valley

http://www.amazon.com/Bernard-Laverys-Secrets-Giant-Sunflowers/dp/0004129989

2/12/2011 10:13:14 AM

Rochester, NY

Has anybody read this book? Comments on it?

2/12/2011 1:55:14 PM

Colorado

Sunflowers dont transplant well.I start some in paper towels and then plant them in soil as soon as the root shows. They can handle a light frost so you can start them relatively early.

2/16/2011 1:32:46 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Agree w/ cojoe...have read numerous times...sunflowers don't transplant well!!! Direct plant only!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...never tried presprouting seeds b/4, but prbly will this year!!!

2/17/2011 12:31:47 AM

Rochester, NY

Here's another small tip, always plant SF seeds pointed end down. The root sprouts from the pointed end making it a lot easier for the seedling to push up through the soil.

3/13/2011 10:07:54 AM