Growing helianthus in Florida can be a rewarding and gratifying experience . With the utter combination of Lord’s Day , soil , and water , Florida ’s warm climate allow for the perfect surround for sunflowers to boom .
Not only do sunflowers supply a beautiful splash of color to your garden , but they also attract good dirt ball , such as bee and butterflies , which help to pollinate other plants . originate sunflowers in Florida can be an easy , humble - maintenance way to bring ravisher and life to your garden .
Florida’s climate and growing zones
locate along the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Ocean , Florida is a land that enjoys a warm and humid climate with two distinct grow season . grow zone 8 through 11 make up the volume of the state , provide gardeners with an regalia of climates and soils suited for a form of plants .
Zone 8 , which covers Central Florida and the Gulf Coast , is known for its hot and humid climate with recollective , hot summers and mild wintertime . This zone is ideal for produce tropical and subtropical plants , such as citrus tree and avocados , as well as palms , bananas , and bougainvillea .
zona 9 , which covers the Panhandle and westernmost portion of the land , has a milder climate than Zone 8 , with hot summer and cool winters . This region is suited for grow affectionate - time of year vegetables such as tomatoes , pepper , and brinjal , as well as decorative works such as rose and other flowers .
Zone 10 , located in South Florida , is the warm growing zona in the country , with a semitropic climate , raging summertime , and mild wintertime . This zone is worthy for tropic and subtropical plant , as well as veg such as okra and beans .
Zone 11 is the northernmost growing zona in Florida , covering the northern part of the state . This realm has spicy and humid summers and mild winter , make it suitable for a variety show of plant , from veggie to cosmetic plants .
Growing sunflowers in Florida
originate sunflower in Florida can be quite a rewarding experience . Sunflowers are a great addition to any garden and they make a bold affirmation in the landscape painting . There are many dissimilar varieties of sunflowers that can be grown in Florida and all of them thrive in the warm climate . Additionally , helianthus are stalwart flowers that can brook some heat and humidness , which is unadulterated for Florida .
sunflower are an excellent selection for Florida gardens . The bright vividness of the flowers and the bombastic leaves make them a great improver to any garden . helianthus prefer full Lord’s Day and warm temperatures , so they will do well in Florida ’s mood . They are also quite drought - resistant , so they are a great choice if you want to conserve water system . helianthus do n’t require much maintenance and they will bloom through the summer months .
One of the biggest challenges of growing sunflowers in Florida is the stale winter temperatures . sunflower are not cold - hardy and need to be protected if the temperatures drop below freeze . If you live in an area with colder wintertime , you may need to cut across the plant or institute them indoors . sunflower are also vulnerable to disease and plague , so it ’s important to monitor the flora closely to make certain they remain good for you .
Some of my favorite variety of sunflower include :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Florida
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your terminal frost engagement . In state , the terminal hoar dates are :
You should also consider the size of it of the mixed bag of helianthus you are planting , as short variety can be planted later and taller varieties will need to be started a week or two before . Sunflowers should be started indoors :
Starting sunflowers from come is a relatively well-to-do physical process that can be done both indoors and alfresco . To begin , you will need to purchase helianthus seed from a garden center or online . When selecting semen , make certain to look for the trust variety you need to grow . Once you have your seeds , you could opt to go them indoors 4 workweek before the last frost day of the month for your region .
fill up a seed tray with starter territory and moisten it with a spraying bottle . Place your seeded player on top of the grime , deal them lightly with starter grunge , and water them gently . Place the tray in a warm and gay spot , and keep the soil moist . Once your plants have grow 2 - 3 sets of leaves , you may transfer them alfresco .
Planting sunflowers outside in Florida
Sunflower seminal fluid should be plant outdoors after the last average frost appointment for your area . Planting sunflower seed too early can result in poor sprouting and seedling growth and potentially last if there ’s a intemperate halt .
When planting outdoors , verify the area has plenty of sunshine and well - drain soil . Dig a hole that is doubly the size of the root ball , and fill the kettle of fish with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with stain , then water deeply .
For the remainder of the helianthus ’s living , make certain to keep the soil moist and fertilize on a regular basis . With proper care , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no prison term !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Florida
When sunflower seed are quick to be harvest , the back of the peak head teacher will be dry and start out to turn browned . The individual ejaculate will be dry and steady . The green husks surrounding the seeds will have turned yellow or white and begun to dry out out . To check out if the seeds are ready to be harvest , gently pinch the seed forefront between your pollex and forefinger . If the husks break open well , the germ are ready to harvest .
Harvesting helianthus seeds is easy . Cut the bloom lead off the radical and propagate it out on a light aerofoil . To take out the seeds , use your hand to rub the flower read/write head and release the seeds . roll up the seeds in a large bowl or container . Once the ejaculate are glean , store them in an airtight container in a coolheaded , dry place . Make certain the container is well sealed to keep the seeds from start bad . Sunflower seed can last for up to a twelvemonth if store the right way .
Sunflower seeds are delicious and nutritive snack food for thought . They can be eaten naked as a jaybird , toasted , or shoot . helianthus seeds are also used in salad , cereals , granola , and energy bars . They are adulterate with essential vitamins and mineral like Vitamin E , phosphorus , magnesium , and zinc . Sunflower seed can also be used to make helianthus seed butter , which is a great alternative to peanut butter .
In addition to being a good for you bite , sunflower seeds are also used to make birdseed . you may leave your sunflowers intact out of doors well after the flowers have go to give your local birds a tasty collation !
