Sunflower Plant Soil Requirements

Doing so will feed the seeds and ensure that the plants have strong roots so they can grow large healthy blooms.

Sunflower plant soil requirements. The temperature of the soil is required to be 13 16 degrees c. Because sunflowers tend to drain soils of their nutrient resources the thomas jefferson agricultural institute recommends against planting sunflowers in the same field more frequently than once every three to four years. Many garden soils are healthy enough to support the growth of sunflowers but having the soil tested can help growers ensure that the sunflowers are grown in nutrient rich medium. When it comes to the fertilization of sunflowers nitrogen is extremely important.

These plants need enough space to stretch and grow. Sunflowers will do their best when they are planted in soil that has been properly prepared. Sunflower seeds only germinate in warm soil. Sunflowers require medium to high levels of nitrogen in the soil as they are somewhat inefficient users of that macronutrient.

As mentioned above the best time to sow the sunflower seeds is past the spring frost. Mix about 3 inches of rich potting soil into your garden s native soil. Larger varieties may become top heavy and a strong wind can be devastating. If possible plant sunflowers in a spot that is sheltered from strong winds perhaps along a fence or near a building.

Sunflowers thrive in slightly acidic to somewhat alkaline soil ph 6 0 to 7 5. If you grow sunflowers in the same spot every year you will need to enhance the soil with compost or fertilizer each time you plant. Soil temperature must be over 50 degrees fahrenheit for seeds to germinate and for plants to grow. Sunflowers are heavy feeders so the soil needs to be nutrient rich with organic matter or composted aged manure.

Start by making rows that are 30 inches apart from one another.