Seeing as they have edible seeds, ive put the question here!
They are about 6" high at the mo in small pots on a South/west windowsill and i'm itching to get them in the garden but not sure how hardy they are.
Im in kent.
Quote from: David R on April 10, 2007, 10:17:18
Seeing as they have edible seeds, ive put the question here!
::)
Well, the planting advice on mine says can be sown outdoors from march to may. The problems i've had with mine in the past putting them outside early is the wind - they snap very easily if it's too strong and slugs!! Brace yourself for those sunflower experts...saddad, where are you?
I thought sunflowers were hardy, but would need hardening off first.
I've always lost those that I have transplanted, so I now plant them directly into the soil. Having said that my daughter planted two sunflowers seeds in a pot at pre-school a few weeks ago and brought them home. Its a kind of sunflower growing competition without the competition (competition in education is out of favour). So this year I'll have to suceed! I transplanted them from the tiny pot they came home into bigger pots. I felt like a surgeon undertaking a life-thretening opertaion when I was separating the two sets of roots. They had a good night and look to be recovering from the operation this morning. They will stay in intensive care (the conservatory) for a while yet.
I also planted some direct in the soil this weekend. They went in this weekend with mini greenhouses (half a clear plastic 2 litre drinks bottle) over the top.
I have planted a few seeds in pots and they are just sprouting now. I should plant yours out now, and take Robs advice and protect them with a lemonade bottle. Keep them well watered as the soil is dry and peat tends to dry out quickly, the roots need to get into the surrounding soil.
http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments1_homepage.html
thanks guys,
I will plant out this weekend with bottles if I can find enough.
I shall plant deeply as I think these can root from the lower stem like toms.
I haven't sown mine yet... sorry for the delay but had to go for the weekly shop!
They must have some protection, the pop bottles are good for a bit then use some fleece like the serious sweet pea growers do... to keep the wind off them.
;D
Self set ones are germinating outside now but I think that yours will need hardening off.