My sunflowers are growing and growing. I'm so excited since I had 0 germination last season. I learned a few things during my endeavor this season:
- They love lots of compost/manure.
- They are heavy feeders.
- They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- They grow well with Zinnia, Asters, bush beans, corn, cukes, squash, spinach and lettuce.
- There's conflicting information on grouping them with tomatoes, which is exactly what I did. I moved them with the squash and cukes after another gardener told me that they compete with tomatoes for nutrients. Both are heavy feeders and shouldn't be planted together. I wasn't sure if they would withstand the shock, but they survived. To avoid the risk next season I'll plant them exactly where I want them.
- You can direct sow seeds through June starting two weeks after the last frost date.
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Here's my babies weeks after I moved them. The one with the beautiful face is Autumn Beauty, I believe. I have no idea where I planted what, so I'll just have to wait for the others to show their pretty faces. I may try directing sowing a few to see if my luck has changed this season. What's happening in your garden?