Sunflower?

12 years ago

I planted these babies from seed and you can see they are huge!! I've never grown giant ones before. In fact I've never grown any except what came up from bird seed!!
My ? is do I need to keep watering them? It's been 98 here for several days and I've watered them everyday. They still look very droopy.
Also I'd like to preserve some of the heads. They are 14" across!! I've read you can use paper bags and tie around the heads but it's very humid here and I don't want them to mold! What do you suggest??
Thanks

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Comments (7)

SouthCountryGuy Zone 4b-5 SE BC
12 years ago
They look very wilted from lack of water. How much are you watering everyday?

They will not rot with a paper bag over them. What are you preserving the heads for? I can give you more suggestions knowing that.

Love to see pictures of them. Last year I had over 60 different varieties.....love em.

SCG
sorie6 zone 6b
Original Author
12 years ago
I thought I was soaking them good everyday but I guess not enough. I watered them longer this evening. I've watered them sometimes 2x a day with the hot days.
I'm saving the heads to feed the birds this winter.
Wow 60 varieties?? I didn't know there were that many! How about pics of yours?
Thank you.
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SouthCountryGuy Zone 4b-5 SE BC
12 years ago
Well they look well past prime to even worry too much about watering. Those large ones I had to water deeply daily or they wilted in hot conditions. For the off days the irrigation didn't water them I liked using gallon milk jugs with a small hole in the bottom, fill them put at base of flower and walk away. Pick up empty jugs in an hour.

For birds you can leave them and let the birds have them when they want or wait till they are ripe and snip them...putting a pantyhose or paper bag around will keep the birds away if needed.

I am having problems with the external drive I have all my pictures on so finding what I can for you. I also didn't take that many as it was one of those very busy years.

My daughter holding one of the larger heads

{{gwi:248248}}

I will locate a few more later from other devices.

SCG
sorie6 zone 6b
Original Author
12 years ago
Oh thank you. that is one big flower and what a cute little girl!!
I'll look forward to seeing more pic.
Diamond2014
11 years ago
Southcountryguy, what is your favorite sunflower to raise from seed? looking for a sunflower with multiple heads but also good size blooms (greater than 6") Any suggestions? Thans
Gardener_Wes
11 years ago
i had the same issue. You need to keep the soil moist constantly. considering its now oct. it may be a bit late but next grow season... maybe setup irrigation. even a timer running off a spicit with a drip line might help with this issue.
SouthCountryGuy Zone 4b-5 SE BC
11 years ago
Diamond2014 - sorry I missed this post. 'Kong' was one of the most reliable multiple head sunflowers I had that meet your 6" or so requirement.