Q&A for How to Plant Sunflower Seeds

You can start planting sunflower seeds in March in Texas.

If you live in an area that does not experience winter, you could plant in June. Otherwise plant in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.

Sunflowers can tolerate a little shade if there is no choice. However, they grow best in full sun and may experience stunted growth or small flowers if they grow in too much shade, or even fail to thrive. If you do have a spot that has some shade, ensure the soil is rich to make up for the shadiness.

Once cut, sunflowers can last anywhere from between 5 and 14 days. Sometimes this time can be extended with careful tending and feeding.

Most sunflowers are annuals and therefore die after blooming when the winter cold arrives. Remove the dead flowers from the garden to tidy the garden. You can always replant the seeds to have a new crop next season.

Yes sunflowers are suited to drying. Don't be surprised if a few flower petals to fall off though, this is normal. For help with the drying process, including images, see How to Dry Sunflowers .

I mean, if it's ten years old, it likely won't sprout. But you can always try, as you aren't going to lose much.

This is normal, just try to gently feel the seeds that are empty and not plant them, as nothing will grow. Usually seeds are empty because they haven't been pollinated by bees.

The sunflower seeds you eat are most likely roasted and therefore will not provide a seed that can germinate.

You can, but you will need to move the sunflower outside and into the soil once it becomes too big. If you want to keep the sunflower in the pot, consider planting a variety that does not grow very tall and stays small.

Yes, as long as they get proper amounts of sunlight. The soil you will be planting the sunflowers in must also be rich in nutrients.

How often do you water them? If you're doing more than a mist or two a day, that will make them grow mold and they will die. Keep the soil a bit sandy.

Do it when the flower back is turning from a green to a yellowish-brown, the petals are falling out, and the inside bulb is turning brown.

Yes, just make sure you plant it at the right time. That is just the variety name; it can be sown in many places!

Set them out on a windy day with a few stakes around to dry the sunflowers without knocking them over.

Yes, if you allow the head to dry out then you should be able to peel away the bulb and get to the dried seeds behind the flower head.

Consider spacing them around 9" - 1' apart for those that grow 3 - 5'. Smaller sunflowers can be spaced 6" apart.

Your sunflowers should probably be taken outside (when the weather is good) and then transplanted. Otherwise, they may grow leggy, and if transplanted too late, won't grow tall at all!

Yes, that's my method of growing them. 90% of the seeds I plant germinate! So I would say yes, give it a go with any variety!

The end that has split should go down in the soil, as this is the root.

Usually it will be ready when it is just starting to yellow. The head will have petals that you can peel off to uncover the seeds. Do that and see if they are ripe enough.

Room temperature is fine. Assuming your seeds are covered, this will act as a greenhouse effect and will help your seeds to germinate.

It depends on where you live. But for most climates, yes they should be planted in April-May.

You will probably have to thin them out so that you can have strong plants.

Plant one sunflower seed per hole, leaving at least six inches between any two seeds.

Yes, but the germination rate may be reduced. One solution is to plant more, and then thin the little ones.

Usually April/May, but it does depend on your area and climate.

Yes, as the different varieties have essentially the same requirements for light and water. Just be sure to take size into account so that the bigger ones won't block the shorter types.

You can plant them now. If you plant a second crop in two weeks, they will bloom at different times.

You can plant in spring and summer, but be ready to water them, especially in years the state doesn't get any spring rain. Eating varieties are better planted in spring for summer harvest. Autumn Beauty is wonderful if planted in late August, blooming for falling color.