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Grittyville, WA

Does anyone have a "how to" for tall sunflowers? I read the SNGPG article this past winter about the USA record.

Still needing an idiots guide to tall sunflowers however.

3/10/2024 1:30:46 PM

This link may be of use to you. Just read all of John Butlers' hints on how he does it(plus go look through his old diaries)


http://www.bigpumpkins.com/msgboard/ViewThread.asp?b=36&p=628713

3/10/2024 3:34:07 PM

Grittyville, WA

Thanks spudder.

3/10/2024 5:21:00 PM

Canada

I tend to change things every year so here is the latest how I grow sunflowers.

Soil preparation

In early spring get a soil sample test done. I aim to be on the high side of everything. I also add well aged compost.

I grow my sunflowers on 10 ft toprail chainlink fence rails. I duct tape 3 together with a 2 inch pulley on the top. I put the rope through the pulley then stand them up and fasten them to my support stand that is 17 ft tall. 

I start my seeds directly into the ground 4 to 5 seeds in a hole about 1/2 to 3/4 " deep about 30 inches apart.

I place a split opened end 5 gallon pail over them for critter protection. Once the sunflowers pop up I let them grow thinning the weaker ones by pinching them until I get down to one. I tie them to the pole daily for support. I remove the 5 gallon pail when the sunflower gets to 3 or 4 feet.

By the time the sunflower gets to 17 ft it will have a head large enough to get a harness around it. I keep tension on the head adjusting the rope daily from the ground so it doesn't snap off in the wind. Once the head is pollinated I use an extendable aluminum pole to put a grain sack over the head with long pieces of binder twine attached   to keep the birds from stealing the seeds.

I water ever day to keep the soil damp but not saturated with a light solution of urea mate and soluble seaweed.

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3/11/2024 3:16:05 PM

Thank you

3/11/2024 4:16:43 PM