Hello, budding gardeners!
Congratulations on participating in our sunflower competition! In this blog post, we’ll share some essential tips to help you nurture your sunflowers throughout the summer. With a little care and attention, you’ll witness these stunning blooms reaching for the sky.
So, let’s dig in and discover the secrets to successful sunflower gardening!
Sunflowers are famously sun-loving plants, so find a sunny spot in your garden or balcony where they can soak up at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This ensures optimal growth and robust blooms. Keep in mind that sunflowers can cast shade on other nearby plants, so give them ample space to flourish.
Gently water the soil and ensure it remains moist but not waterlogged. You will need to do this every day, especially during dry, sunny weather.
Tall sunflower varieties like the High Hopes you have planted will support them as they grow.
Place a sturdy stake or bamboo cane next to the young seedling and gently tie it to the support using garden twine or wire. This helps the plant withstand windy conditions and prevents it from drooping or bending.
While sunflowers are generally resilient, they can occasionally attract pests like aphids or slugs.
Check your plants regularly for any signs of pest damage, such as holes in the leaves or sticky residue. If you spot any pests, consult a trusted adult or garden centre for advice on safe and effective pest control methods.
Sunflowers are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they benefit from occasional feeding.
After the seedlings have established themselves, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide them with essential nutrients throughout the summer. Follow the instructions on the fertiliser package and avoid over-fertilising, as this can be harmful to the plants.
As the summer progresses, you’ll witness your sunflowers growing taller and stronger.
Observe the fascinating process of their blooming.
If you collected free seeds from Otter Garden Centres this year we invite you to take part in our tallest sunflower competition.
We are excited to see how tall you can grow your sunflower!
We expect most of your sunflowers will be at peak growth during August.
When you think your sunflower had reached its peak, here’s how you enter our competition…
1. Measure your sunflower’s height
2. Take a photo of the full height of your sunflower
(we would love to see your children and grandchildren in the photo).
3. Post your photo and its height to your Facebook or Instagram account and tag us @OtterGardenCentre
(it is really important to tag us so we can see your entry).
Alternatively,
e-mail your photo to us at marketing@ottergardencentres.com
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