From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Des Moines, Iowa

What is the best way to germinate sunflower seeds? I want to grow some of the big headed variety, but have never grown them before. Can you just put the whole seed in the ground? I will probably not enter them into any competitions, but would like them to turn out. When do you germinate in Central Iowa?

Dan you have mail

thanks chad

12/10/2011 1:49:15 PM

Johnston, Iowa

My experience here in central Iowa is direct seeding around May 1st. Next year I may start Tall Corn and Tall Sunflowers inside in late April to get a jump on the season.

12/11/2011 1:20:00 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Dan, I have read that one or the other (can't remember which...sunflowers I think) do not take transplanting well!!! Peace, Wayne

12/13/2011 1:27:35 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Both Corn and Sunflowers do not like transplanting...Direct seed cover with something to stop the squirrels

12/13/2011 1:19:32 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

If inside, means inside of a cold frame, hoop house, etc. Then I think it is a great idea!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...I received a couple super tawl corn seeds, that I will be planting in early march, outside (undercover), if weather permits!!!! Peace, Wayne

12/13/2011 7:30:33 PM

Johnston, Iowa

Thanks for the heads up about the non-transplanting status of corn & sunflowers. I got the idea about transplanting from this Tall Corn Contest winner http://www.iowastatefair.org/competition/results/schleswig-stalk-wins-state-fair-tall-corn-title/
who also grew a 22 foot stalk to win a magazine sponsored tall corn contest, and had stated in the magazine article that he started his corn inside in 5 gallen pails.

I will just continue to direct seed, and maybe use a cold frame to get a jump on the growing season.

12/16/2011 10:35:02 AM

50 Acres

I started corn at one lot transported it 3 miles and grew itat my home . I grew 20 ft ... second at ottawa

12/16/2011 5:51:40 PM

Mount Vision, NY

I have nearly always grown sunflower seedlings in pots and transplanted them into the garden. I also did last year with giant corn as in my grower diary. With good luck and results. My advice is to just give it a try and see how it works for you.

12/16/2011 6:26:10 PM

Mount Vision, NY

I should also say that I've found young corn and sunflower plants to be quite frost hardy. Sunflower seedlings up until they get about 2-3 leaves, but after that much growth they will get nipped by frosts. Corn seedlings once they get over a few inches will get nipped, but usually grow back. Not sure how they'd fare in a hard freeze. I'm thinking maybe they'd be toast after that. Cold frames, Cloches and what not I think would work good. Never done that with them though.

12/16/2011 6:31:20 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

To shouck, and awl...not too much worried about frost this spring/summer...highs tomorrow & next day are predicted at mid to upper 70's to 80 on Thursday...might need to set up misting system soonly!!! LOL Peace, Wayne

3/13/2012 3:32:46 AM