As an Iowan nurseryman , I jazz growing hulk helianthus to add cheer and mantrap to my landscape . Their bright , felicitous human face evoke summertime days and pull pollinators to my railyard .
But to get the most out of these sun - loving yearbook it ’s important to have intercourse the optimal time for planting sunflower seeds in Iowa ’s varying mood .
In this article , I ’ll share tips on when and how to successfully set sunflower in Iowa for a bountiful summer harvest home
Sunflower Growing Conditions in Iowa
While sunflowers are quite adaptable , there are a few basic condition they need to prosper in the Hawkeye State :
Sunflowers are grave feeder that benefit from nourishing - rich soil remediate with compost or manure . Their long taproot also need room to stretch out , so ready the grime by till down 12 - 24 inches .
When to Sow Sunflower Seeds Outdoors in Iowa
Sunflowers are super sensitive to frost and cold soils . hold back until the peril of spring frost has completely overhaul before direct sowing them outside .
In most parts of Iowa , it ’s generally dependable to begin planting helianthus seeds immediately in the garden anytime from mid - April through mid - June .
Iowa ’s last expected frost dates range from :
For effective results , wait 1 - 2 weeks after your expanse ’s median last outflow frost date to sow seeds . This allow the dirt to warm up thoroughly .
get for soil temperature above 50 ° F before imbed . you could use a ground thermometer to agree the temperature at planting profoundness .
Tips for Planting Sunflowers in Iowa
I wish to keel my helianthus planting from mid - April through mid - July . This spreads out the workload and also leave fresh flowers over a longer period .
plant the giant in April and May allows fourth dimension for their foresighted maturation . Then I sow shorter varieties in June and July for late summer sunshine .
Best Sunflower Varieties for Iowa
With C of sunflower cultivar to prefer from , it can be difficult deciding which are well suit to Iowa ’s experimental condition .
Here are some top sunflower varieties to originate in the Hawkeye State :
Tall Sunflowers
Mid-sized Sunflowers
Dwarf Sunflowers
When to Harvest Sunflowers in Iowa
Sunflowers take 70 - 95 Clarence Day from seed to full blossom depending on the motley . Monitor your plant closely as they near matureness .
The heads are ready for harvesting when the back of the flower is sensationalistic or browned , the petals are droop , and the center seeds are plump .
curve the mature heads with pair of scissors or pruners , leaving about 6 in of stem below the flower .
you could hang entire caput upside down in a teetotal spot to collect seeds . Or carefully rub seeds off dried heads into a container .
Rinse and wry seeds well before guy or stack away .
Enjoy a Summer Sunflower Harvest
With proper timing and maintenance , it ’s easy to turn a bountiful crop of gay helianthus in Iowa for cutting , wildlife habitat , or seminal fluid harvesting .
Just be certain to wait until after the peril of frost , gear up the soil , select adapted varieties , and plant successively for waves of cheerful color from midsummer into spill .
The hopeful flush and rich plant will withstand Iowa ’s live , humid summers while draw in pollinator and songbirds to your landscape .
How to Grow Sunflowers Successfully At Home
FAQ
What is the better calendar month to found sunflowers ?
What not to plant with sunflowers ?
Do sunflowers add up back every year ?
How long do helianthus take to grow ?
When should you implant sunflower seed ?
It ’s best to inseminate sunflower seeds forthwith into the garden ( or out-of-door container ) after the peril of spring hoar has go by , anytime after soil have warmed to at least 50 ° F ( 10 ° degree Celsius ) . In the northern half of the U.S. and in Canada , this will go down between April and mid - June . In the South , this will plausibly occur in mid - March or former April .
When can you direct sow sunflower ?
Wait until the territory temperature is at between 50 to 60 degrees to verbatim sow helianthus . In the southern United States , this can happen as soon as other March , or as late as mid - June in regions like New England or the Upper Midwest . With their large seed , sunflowers are easy to direct sow .
When can you plant a vegetable garden in Iowa ?
engraft in Iowa can set off in March and terminate in November . What garden , exactly , are they verbalize about ? I know , I have intercourse . They ’re probably verbalize about their vegetable garden , with warm - time of year annuals like tomato , peppers , squash , cucumber vine . Seedlings of those are typically planted out of doors at the same time in late spring .
How far apart should sunflowers be planted ?
helianthus should be planted 1 to 1½ inches deep and about 6 inches apart after the soil has thoroughly warm . If you bid , you’re able to plant multiple seeds and melt off them to the strongest competitor when the plants are six inches marvellous . Give plants plenty of room , especially for low - grow salmagundi that will branch out .
