Growing a sunflower will not be difficult if you follow some requirements for the method of growing it.
Sunflower seed selection
There are a huge number of sunflower species and their derivatives. When choosing a particular variety, one should be guided by the properties indicated on any package. Particular attention should be paid to the desired growth of the plant, since their height varies from 30 cm to 4.6 m. It should also be borne in mind that it can grow as a single stem or as a pair of branches with flowers.
When choosing seeds, it is necessary to check that they are not fried and have an integral coating.
Preparing and planting sunflower seeds
Before planting seeds in the ground, they are initially germinated at home. To do this, take a towel (preferably paper) and moisten to a wet state. Then visually divide it in half, put seeds on one part, and cover the second.
All this is placed in a plastic bag, which is stored in a warm room at t above +10 ° C, periodically checked for the presence of sprouts and at the same time monitor the humidity of the towel. The growth period is 2 days.
If the seed has not germinated within 3 days, then using tweezers, remove the edge from the seed and leave for some time.
However, you can do without sprouting, just dropping them into the ground, but the probability of emergence will be much lower.
Before planting in the ground, in order to avoid being eaten, they are treated with special means against rodents, prepared with their own hands or purchased.
You can prepare the mixture yourself as follows: 100 gr of garlic, chop and mix with onion husks, add 2 liters of boiling water and leave for 24 hours. After this, strain the ready-made mush and lower the prepared seeds into the resulting solution overnight.
All actions should be done towards the end of spring.
Preparation of soil for sunflower
The plant is not picky to the soil, however, the most fertile and not very distinguished. The first include chernozem, chestnut soils, loams with a pH of 5-6. The second type includes sandstones, as well as wetlands with a pH of 4 or lower.
A wonderful place will be the site on which before that corn, cabbage, winter crops were grown. Places after tomatoes and sugar beets are not suitable, because they will contain a lot of nitrogen, which has a negative effect on sunflower.
However, one must keep in mind the fact that where the sunflower grew, it is not recommended to plant it again for 7 years in order to allow time for the soil to recover. To do this, plant peas, beans, spring crops, which contribute to bringing the land to normal.
In the autumn period, potash and phosphorus fertilizers (potassium sulfate, superphosphate) are added to the soil and they are thoroughly digged.
Necessary neighbors for a sunflower
Corn can become a wonderful neighbor, since its roots are at a different level in the soil, so there will be no struggle for nutrients and water. Pumpkin, soybeans, cucumbers, lettuce, and beans will coexist well, but bad - potatoes, tomatoes.
Planting sunflower seeds in open ground
Sowing begins to produce in mid-May. To do this, with the help of a hoe, pits are made in a selected place with a depth of 5-7 cm with an interval of 15 cm, but it can also be longer, since the greater the distance between the seedlings, the wider the caps will grow. 2-3 grains are lowered into the holes and filled with soil, and the soil must be moistened.
Mr. Summer resident recommends: plant care
To get a good harvest, it is recommended to take care of the plant accordingly. It is necessary to establish a system of irrigation, soil sowing, weed removal. Pay attention to the garter, because with a strong wind the stem can break, and this risk will be eliminated.
Feeding at all stages of development is important. The first time you need to feed the plant 14 days after the appearance of the shoots with fertilizers containing nitrogen (for example, urea). This will contribute to the stable growth of the stem, leaves.
Then, after 14-21 days, another top dressing is carried out using fertilizers containing potassium. Thanks to this, the hats will be full of seeds. If you go too far with the introduction of nitrogen, during this period, then you can completely remain without seeds.
The next top dressing is done after 21 days using phosphorus-containing fertilizers and mixing them with potash.
Watering Rules
Particular attention should be paid to watering. The soil in which the seeds were planted must remain moist until sprouts appear. It is recommended to water a little at a distance from the plants themselves (7.5-10 cm), since they are still small and flimsy and thus eliminating their leaching from the ground, and the root system is also stimulated.
As annual grows, irrigation can be reduced. When the roots and stem have developed well, it will be enough to water once a week.
However, weather conditions should be taken into account: with a long absence of rain, watering should be increased.
Harvesting
The readiness of the crop is determined by the moisture of the seeds. There are 3 stages of ripeness:
- yellow;
- brown;
- ripe.
To a brown degree, it is already possible to harvest (humidity level will be 15-20%).
Applying the agrotechnical method of drying plants on the vine (desiccation), it is possible to significantly accelerate the ripening process, as well as ensure its uniformity. This is done when the flowering period has already passed (seed moisture 30%).
The use of chemical preparations (desiccants) is recommended in sunny weather, with temperatures ranging from +13 to +20 ° C in the morning or evening. You can harvest after 10 days after this procedure.
Harvested seeds with high humidity are dried and then cleaned of debris and damaged seeds.
If you follow all the recommendations and create favorable conditions, it will not be difficult to grow this culture. It will not only become a magnificent decorative decoration in the country, but may also please the harvest.
