Growing sunflowers in Ohio is an awe-inspiring experience ! With the right tending and attention , they can produce beautiful , vibrant flowers that make for a feeling of joy to any garden . From their bright chickenhearted and orange petal to the strong and tall stalks , sunflowers are a delicious visual modality to behold , and they provide a pleasant aroma to the atmosphere .
Ohio offers a moderate mood that is perfect for growing sunflowers , with plenty of cheerfulness and meek temperatures . With the correct maintenance and attention , sunflowers can flourish in Ohio , and they are certain to bring a joyous and colourful addition to any garden .
Ohio climate and growing zones
Ohio has a humid continental mood , characterized by blistering , humid summers and stale , dry winters . The state experiences four clear-cut seasons , with temperatures ranging from an average high of 88 ° F ( 31 ° C ) in the summer to an mean low of 22 ° F ( -6 ° carbon ) in the winter .
Ohio ’s growing zones range from 5 to 6 . zona 5 is characterize by short , nerveless winters and strong , humid summer . Average annual minimum temperature range from -10 ° F ( -23 ° C ) to 0 ° F ( -18 ° C ) . The growing time of year usually begins in former April and ends in belated October .
Zone 6 has milder winters than Zone 5 , with median annual minimal temperatures ranging from 0 ° F ( -18 ° C ) to 10 ° F ( -12 ° C ) . The growing season for Zone 6 unremarkably begins in late March and cease in late November .
Growing sunflowers in Ohio
Growing helianthus in Ohio can be a rewarding experience , though the mood in the nation can present some challenges . helianthus require full sun and thrive in warmer climates . In Ohio , insensate temperatures and poor produce seasons can make it unmanageable to get enough heat and light for optimal outgrowth . When growing sunflower in Ohio , it ’s significant to give the plants as much sun as potential . Choose a sunny topographic point in your yard and make certain the stain is well - draining .
Sunflowers need at least six hours of direct sunlight each mean solar day . Planting in early spring and late summer can avail maximize the amount of sun useable . Ohio ’s cold winters can cause frost damage to sunflowers , so it ’s important to supply some protective covering .
mulch the soil around the plants can help insulate them against low temperatures . For extra protection , you could pass over the plant life with a frost blanket or gunny when temperature cast below freeze . When the temperatures start to rise in the summer , it ’s time to feed your sunflower . Sunflowers need a balanced fertilizer with a eminent phosphorus contentedness than nitrogen or potassium . you may also add compost or manure to the dirt to help nourish your plants .
Some of my favorite smorgasbord of sunflower let in :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Ohio
Sunflowerseeds should be start up indoors 4 week before your final frost date . In Ohio , the last hoar dates are :
You should also consider the size of the variety of sunflower you are planting , as short varieties can be planted afterward and taller varieties will need to be commence a hebdomad or two earlier . sunflower should be started indoors :
set out sunflowers from seed is a relatively easy outgrowth that can be done both indoors and outside . To start , you will need to purchase sunflower cum from a garden center or online . When take seeded player , verify to look for the desired variety you need to grow . Once you have your seed , you may choose to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date for your region .
Fill a germ tray with starter stain and dampen it with a spray feeding bottle . Place your ejaculate on top of the soil , cover them lightly with starter dirt , and irrigate them gently . come in the tray in a warm and sunny smirch , and keep the land moist . Once your plants have grown 2 - 3 sets of leave , you may transfer them alfresco .
Planting sunflowers outside in Ohio
helianthus seminal fluid should be planted out of doors after the last average Robert Frost escort for your area . Planting helianthus seed too early can result in pitiable germination and seedling outgrowth and potentially death if there ’s a knockout freeze .
When planting outside , check that the area has plenty of cheer and well - draining filth . Dig a hole that is doubly the size of the root ball , and replete the trap with compost or ripened manure . Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with grime , then water deep .
For the remainder of the sunflower ’s liveliness , ensure to keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly . With proper caution , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no time !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Ohio
When helianthus seeds are ready to be harvested , the back of the flower head will be dry and bulge to turn brownish . The individual seeds will be dry and unfluctuating . The unripened stalk surrounding the source will have turned yellow or white and start to dry out . To see if the seeds are quick to be harvested , gently hook the seed foreland between your quarter round and index finger . If the husks break open easy , the seed are ready to harvest .
Harvesting sunflower seed is well-to-do . Cut the flower head off the prow and spread it out on a clean airfoil . To transfer the cum , use your hand to scratch the blossom head and liberate the seeds . Collect the seeds in a large bowl or container . Once the germ are harvested , store them in an airtight container in a coolheaded , teetotal place . Make trusted the container is well varnish to keep the seeds from going regretful . Sunflower seeds can last for up to a twelvemonth if stored properly .
Sunflower seed are yummy and nutritious snack food . They can be eat raw , salute , or sprouted . helianthus ejaculate are also used in salads , food grain , granola , and energy bars . They are stretch with all important vitamins and mineral like Vitamin E , phosphorus , Mg , and zinc . Sunflower seeds can also be used to make helianthus cum butter , which is a great choice to peanut butter .
In addition to being a healthy snack , sunflower seeds are also used to make bird food . you may result your helianthus entire outside well after the bloom have go to give your local birds a tasty snack !
