Perennial Sunflower
Did you know that you can grow perennial sunflowers. There is annual sunflowers which will grow for one year only – these are the common ones you see in most garden where you can have competitions to grow the largest sunflower. Then there is the perennial sunflower which once planted will bloom every year after the first couple of years.
Annual sunflowers are called Helianthus annuus and perennial sunflowers are called Helianthus scaberrimus.
There are many differences between a annual sunflower and a perennial sunflower. Perennial only have small seed heads on the plant where as annual sunflowers have either large or small ones.
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When to sow Perennial Sunflowers
Like annual sunflowers you plant the seeds in spring, these can be started off in the greenhouse where it is a bit warmer and a give them a better chance to germinate.
Choosing the best soil
When deciding where you will grow the perennial sunflowers you need to take into account thay they should be grown in sunny spot (hence the name) – they need to be planted in soil that is quite fertile and moist but the soil needs to be able to drain well.
How to sow Perennial Sunflowers
In spring you will need to get your packet sunflower seeds, a seed tray and some compost. Make a layer of compost in the seed tray, sprinkle the perennial sunflower seeds on the compost. Cover them with another layer of compost. Then you will need to water the seeds. Use a watering can with a sprinkler on the end so you don’t drown them. For added warmth add a layer of clingfilm over the seeds and place in your greenhouse. This will keep the seeds moist and you can remove the cling film when the seeds are popping through.
Perennial sunflowers take longer to germinate than annual sunflowers. So don’t be expecting them to germinate in a a few days.
When the seeds are big enough you can transplant them into their own plant pots to grow bigger. After a few weeks the seeds will have outgrown the plant pot and once the chance of frost has passed you will be able to plant all your plants outside in the garden. Remember to plant your plants in a sunny position. Leave space between each plant. Perennial Sunflowers have deeper roots than annual sunflowers so take that into account when planting.
How to care for your Perennial Sunflowers
Looking after your sunflowers is important to get the best out of the plant as possible. To look after it cut back the stems as they die back for winter. The plants can attract the slugs so watch out for them especially when it has been raining. Perennial sunflowers will not necessarily bloom for two years so do not get disheartened if they don’t bloom.
Perennial sunflowers grow in clumps when they grow so can be quite bushy and need plenty of space between plants.
Like annual sunflowers, perennials need watering well to keep them growing well and healthy. You can add organic matter to the soil to help feed them.
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