Help with Mammoth Sunflowers

11 years ago

Hello,

First let me preface my question - I'm a complete beginner when it comes to growing anything :)

I live in South Florida by the way.

I want to plant some mammoth sunflowers outside, for now I started growing them in a planter with potting soil.

Below is a picture of what they look like at the moment.

I'm not sure when the right time to plant them outside is, and also they are getting all tangled and growing curly and falling over in the planter right now... I don't know if I should stake them while they are still in the planter?

Or was I supposed to plant many more initially and then only take the ones that grow upright? I planted about 20 seeds or so, and in the picture is what I have so far.

Lastly, once I do plant them outside, how large of a hole should I dig, and what kind of soil should I use? I read I should spread them out about 3' apart.

Thank you :)
Nathalie

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Comments (6)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
11 years ago
I'm not sure where your seedlings are growing at present but they are suffering from lack of light. That's why they are spindly and falling over.

I would harden them off asap. Google howto do that. In S Florida hey should be outside already really.

Once hardened off make the hole the size of the root ball and just plant them in the ground. They don't need special soil.
nvaiser
Original Author
11 years ago
They are in a screened-in outdoor patio area.... there is a large tree outside the screen so that may be why they are not getting enough light. Thanks for pinpointing that. Unfortunately the wooden box is screwed down inside so I'll have to remove everything to remove the box and place it in a different spot.

Should I have just planted these directly outside rather than first in a planter first?
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TNflowerlover Zone 7a
11 years ago
I would garden them off and put them on outside. You can plant them like tomatoes....put part of the stem underground. I did that, and mine are growing fast. :)
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
11 years ago
Yes - you could have sown them directly outside in the ground. Even in my climate that is possible so I'm sure it is in yours.
taylorjones
11 years ago
I found this link helpful: http://www.sunflowerselections.com/how-to-grow-ornamental-sunflowers/
TNflowerlover Zone 7a
11 years ago
Thanks for that link! Great info!