Growing sunflower in Alabama is a gravid manner to enjoy the stunner of nature . The ardent , gay climate of Alabama allows sunflower to flourish in the summer month , with bloom that can reach over 8 feet in meridian and spread their lily-livered petals blanket .
helianthus also attract a variety of wildlife , including bee , butterfly , and fowl , making them a great gain to any garden or backyard . Additionally , sunflowers are a miserable - sustenance crop that require minimal effort to care for and harvest . With so many benefits , it ’s no wonder that sunflowers are a favorite among Alabama gardener !
Alabama climate and growing zones
Climate and growing zone 7b through 8b in Alabama are characterized by mild winters , tender summer , and generally humid weather year - round . These zones experience an average of 40 column inch of precipitation per class .
Zone 7b is the warm of the three , with the intermediate low temperature in wintertime around 10 ° atomic number 9 . summer in this zone can be raging and humid , with average highs in the upper fourscore .
Zone 8a is slimly cool , with median winter lows around 15 ° F . Temperatures in this region can reach the mid-90s in the summertime .
geographical zone 8b is the coldest of the three , with middling winter lows around 20 ° F . Summers are still hot , with temperatures reaching the mid-90s .
In all three zones , temperature seldom , if ever , flatten below 0 ° farad . This admit for a panoptic variety of industrial plant to be grow in the realm , including dusty - raw works like citrus , figs , and magnolias .
Growing sunflowers in Alabama
Growing helianthus in Alabama can be a terrific experience . The warm mood of Alabama is idealistic for sunflowers , set aside them to thrive and reach heights of up to 8 feet . helianthus require flock of sunlight and are most often planted between the middle of May and the midriff of June . The skilful time to plant sunflowers in Alabama is in the saltation when temperature begin to lift and the soil is fond .
helianthus take at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth . When planted in the veracious emplacement , sunflowers can reach their full height and bloom in as little as 80 twenty-four hours . When found in Alabama , it ’s crucial to remember that the territory needs to be keep moist , so it ’s of import to water regularly .
In cold climate , growing sunflowers can be a bit more difficult because they do n’t stand frost well . If you ’re looking to plant sunflower in a colder climate , it ’s good to opt a variety that is more inhuman - broad . In Alabama , however , the tender mood is arrant for grow sunflower , and they can thrive in the right consideration .
Some of my favourite varieties of sunflower include :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Alabama
Sunflowerseeds should be begin indoors 4 weeks before your final Robert Frost date . In Alabama , the concluding frost date are :
You should also consider the sizing of the variety of helianthus you are set , as shorter varieties can be planted after and taller varieties will need to be started a week or two in the beginning . Sunflowers should be started indoors :
Starting helianthus from ejaculate is a relatively easy process that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To begin , you will need to buy sunflower seeds from a garden centerfield or online . When pick out semen , make indisputable to look for the want variety you want to grow . Once you have your seeds , you may pick out to startle them indoors 4 week before the last frost date for your area .
fill up a ejaculate tray with starter soil and moisten it with a spray bottle . localise your seeds on top of the soil , brood them softly with starter ground , and water them gently . Place the tray in a warm and sunny topographic point , and keep the soil moist . Once your flora have grown 2 - 3 sets of leaves , you’re able to transfer them outside .
Planting sunflowers outside in Alabama
helianthus seed should be planted outdoors after the last average Robert Frost date for your area . Planting sunflower seed too early can result in poor germination and seedling growth and potentially demise if there ’s a hard freeze .
When planting alfresco , ensure the area has stack of sunshine and well - draining soil . Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball , and occupy the fix with compost or aged manure . invest the seedling in the hole and backfill with grunge , then water deep .
For the remainder of the helianthus ’s liveliness , check that to keep the soil moist and fertilize on a regular basis . With proper care , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no time !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Alabama
When sunflower seeds are quick to be reap , the back of the flower head will be dry and start to ferment brown . The single seeds will be wry and stiff . The light-green husks wall the seeds will have turn chickenhearted or white and begun to dry out . To confirm whether the seeds are ready to be harvested , lightly pinch the seed straits between your quarter round and forefinger . If the husks bankrupt open easy , the seed are ready to harvest .
harvest home sunflower seeds is easy . sheer the bloom head off the stem and unfold it out on a clean Earth’s surface . To remove the seeds , use your hands to chafe the flower headland and release the come . Collect the seeds in a large bowl or container . Once the ejaculate are harvested , store them in an airtight container in a cool , dry position . ensure the container is well seal to keep the seeds from going bad . helianthus seed can last for up to a year if lay in properly .
Sunflower seeds are luscious and nourishing bite food . They can be eaten crude , toasted , or sprouted . Sunflower seed are also used in salad , cereals , granola , and energy bars . They are load with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E , atomic number 15 , magnesium , and zinc . helianthus seeds can also be used to make sunflower seed butter , which is a great choice to peanut butter .
In increase to being a healthy snack , helianthus seed are also used to make birdseed . you’re able to leave your sunflowers inviolate outdoors well after the flowers have become flat to give your local razzing a tasty snack !
