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How To Grow Sunflowers From Seeds Indoors

To start sunflowers indoors, plant three seeds per each 3- to 4-inch peat pot. A soilless planting media will give you the best drainage. Indoor germination usually happens in 6 to 10 days. You can enjoy continuous blooms through summer by planting seeds every couple of weeks.

Can you sow sunflower seeds indoors?

Sunflowers can be grown in pots or sown directly into the ground. They can be started off indoors in early spring and will grow quite happily on a window sill for a time. Alternatively, seeds can be planted outside directly once the risk of frost has passed.

Are sunflowers easy to grow from seeds?

Growing sunflowers from seed is super easy, too. Plant seeds after the danger of spring frost has passed and the soil temperature is at least 60 degrees. This will be between March and May, depending on where you live. Plant the seeds no more than an inch deep and about 6 inches apart.

How do you grow sunflower seeds in pots?

Sow seeds 4-5 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep directly into pots filled with well moistened, good quality potting mix. It takes approximately 8-10 days to germinate. When seedlings are several inches tall, transplant them to larger pots that are at least 12-18 inches deep while making sure that they are spread out.

When should I plant sunflower seeds indoors?

When to Plant Sunflower Seeds Sunflowers take from 70 to 90 days to mature with the larger flowered varieties taking the longest, so you’ll probably want to get a jump on the season by planting sunflowers indoors about three weeks before the last frost date.

Should I soak sunflower seeds before planting?

It is recommended that you only soak most seeds for 12 to 24 hours and no more than 48 hours. After soaking your seeds, they can be planted as directed. The benefit of soaking seeds before planting is that your germination time will be reduced, which means you can have happy, growing plants faster.

Can sunflowers grow in pots?

Potted sunflowers may seem an unlikely endeavor, however, some of the smaller dwarf varieties do very well as container grown sunflowers, and even the giant cultivars can be grown as container plants. Growing sunflowers in a pot or planter does require some special care though.

How many sunflower seeds do you plant in one hole?

When planting in containers fill them with any commercial potting compost up to about half an inch from the top. You should then thoroughly soak the soil and make a hole about an inch deep with a pencil and drop 1 seed into your hole.

Can I plant sunflower seeds from the grocery store?

Remember that any seed that will sprout will grow a plant. The best thing about these seeds is that they are usually organic and not treated with chemicals so that they will be able to sprout. There is no need to test germination for these seeds, which saves time and takes away the guesswork.

How fast does a sunflower grow?

How long do sunflowers take to grow? There are various varieties of sunflowers, and each one will grow at a different rate. On average, though, it takes between 80 and 120 days for a plant to mature and develop seeds.

How often should you water a sunflower seed?

Generally, for established plants a deep watering once a week will suffice. If you are experiencing heat wave, it is best to increase the frequency. When growing the sunflowers for seeds, make sure that they are watered slightly more 2 weeks prior to flowering.

How do you germinate sunflower seeds fast?

Mist the towel to moisten it and space several seeds about 1/2 inch apart near the center of the towel. Fold another paper towel in half, mist it and cover the seeds with it. Set the plate on a warm windowsill and keep the top towel moist. The sunflowers will germinate in about a week.

How do you take care of a sunflower indoors?

When growing sunflowers indoors or out, they must receive lots of sunlight. They must also be kept warm. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 70-75 degrees. Sunflower seeds will naturally dry and fall off of the seed heads as they become heavy and droop toward the ground.

Should I start sunflowers indoors?

Plant sunflowers in late spring, once the ground is nice and warm. Planting sunflowers indoors gives you a head start on the growing season. Simply tuck the seeds into peat pots around the time of your last spring frost. They should be the right size for transplant once the soil is the appropriate temperature.

Do you plant sunflower seeds with the shell?

Select a sunflower variety. It is not possible to grow plants from roasted sunflower seeds, but you can grow it from sunflowers in bird seed, as long as the outer shell is present.

Do sunflower seeds need light to germinate?

Sunflower seeds do not require light for germination. However, when grown indoors in pots, the plastic wrap is removed at the first sign of germination and the uncovered pots are placed in bright, indirect light.

What is the best way to plant sunflower seeds?

To plant sunflowers: Space seeds about 6 inches apart in a shallow trench between 1 and 2 inches deep. In sandy soil, 2 inches deep is better. Cover and keep watered until seeds sprout in 7 to 10 days.

Which way do you plant sunflower seeds?

Sunflowers can be sown straight in to the ground where they are going to flower, so make sure the space you are going to sow is weed free, by using a trowel to remove the weeds. Rake the soil to a fine tilth (a fine crumbly texture) and make some drills 12mm deep. Leave a 10cm space between each seed.