How to Grow Sunflowers

1. Planting Time

• When: Sow sunflower seeds directly outdoors about 2 weeks before the last frost in your area.

• They love warmth and sunshine, so pick a full sun spot in your garden.

2. Watering

• Water seedlings once a week — that’s usually enough.

• Give extra water during hot, dry spells to keep them strong and tall.

3. Fertilizing

• Feed sunflowers with organic fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.

• They grow very fast (up to 5–6 feet tall), so they need plenty of nutrition.

4. Care & Pollinators

• Sunflowers are low-maintenance — once established, they mostly take care of themselves.

• Bonus: they attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which means better pollination for your other veggies and fruits nearby.

5. Knowing When They’re Ready

• You’ll know your sunflower is ripe when:

  • The head stops turning with the sun and begins to droop downward.

  • The back of the flower head turns yellow or brown.

  • Seeds start looking plump and full.

• Protect the heads from birds and squirrels with mesh or netting if you plan to harvest the seeds for yourself.

6. Harvesting Seeds

• Cut the flower head off the stem.

• Rub your hand gently across the seeds — they should come out easily when ripe.

7. Enjoying the Seeds

• Dry the seeds well.

• For a tasty snack, roast them in a dry frying pan for a few minutes.

• Sunflower seeds are not only delicious but also packed with healthy nutrients.