I dont have a problem of that sorts (good thing!)But one problem I do have is that underneath a bird feeder there was a sunflower starting to grow, it wasn't that big but it was growing. And I was so happy that it just grew by itself and I wanted to keep it where it was until it got a little bit bigger. Then over the past couple of days the rain and wind have been so bad and today I noticed that it had bent over. I was so upset, but the thing is it didnt split the stem in half, so I placed a stick next to it to hold it up, and hopefully it will "nurse" itself back to health!

I have had terrible luck with growing commercial sunflowers. They wilt, get attacked by ants etc.

But we have tons of wild sunflowers blooming this year along the side of the road. This must be a banner year for them. They are blooming like crazy despite the heat and drought and don't seem to be bothered by wilt or insects.

As soon as they set seed, I think I am going to try to gather some. I have noticed this same variety of wild sunflower popping up in gardens around me, so it appears other gardeners are trying this out as well.

If you have any growing wild around you, you might want to try this option.

Marilyn

Yikes! I've never heard of sunflower wilt. I haven't noticed it in my sunflower border or scattered clumps of other perennial sunflowers. I never water mine once they are established, although some of the varieties would like more water. I have had more trouble keeping them from spreading and flopping (most get whacked back by half in June).

If you remember and want some seeds off of mine in late fall, send me an e-mail. Mine are such a jumble now, I'm not always sure which variety is which.

Sorry to hear your sunflowers aren't doing well...

kent

I plant the tall ones close together and they prop each other up because of winds or heavy rains. You can tie them up to strong posts with string which helps them or plant a wind break of broomcorn or millet. I have had wilt before and it is the soil. Try a new place and see if they do better or go dwarf size. They make me smile every summer.
I am sending my seeds to seed swap too.
Gigi

Gigi,

Thanks for the heads up about the soil-wilt connection. I think I will try a new location to see if I have better luck.

Thanks, again!
Marilyn

I didn't have much luck for some reason direct sowing sunflower seeds in the garden. Can I start them in doors this next winter to plant out next spring???
Wormy

I've had really bad luck with them too. None have done very well over the last 3 years. But the seeds that fall out of the bird feeder, are doing great! If they continue to..I may just plant the ones in the bird seed!

Haziemoon

How long will thr flowes last??