Growing sunflowers in South Carolina is a wondrous and rewarding experience . With the province ’s humid subtropical clime and prospicient growing season , it ’s the perfect place to cultivate these gay flush . South Carolina ’s soil is rich and fecund , making it easy to cultivate a form of sunflowers .
Whether you ’re grow them for show , for nutrient , or simply for beauty , South Carolina is the idealistic station to do so . Sunflowers provide ample color , grain , and interest to any garden and with the correct charge , can provide a rewarding and long - lasting display .
South Carolina climate and growing zones
In South Carolina , the get zones rate from 7a to 9a . Zone 7a is locate in the northern and westerly parting of the state , and include the metropolis of Spartanburg and Greenville . Zone 7a has mean one-year minimum temperature of 0 to 5 degree Fahrenheit . This zone is practiced for grow cold - hardy vegetable such as Brassica oleracea italica and cabbage .
zona 8a is located in the central part of the country and includes the cities of Columbia and Charleston . Zone 8a has mean yearly minimal temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit . This zone is skilful for arise ardent - weather vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers .
Zone 9a is situate in the southerly and coastal parts of the state , and include the city of Myrtle Beach and Beaufort . Zone 9a has average yearly minimal temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit . This zone is good for growing quick - conditions crop such as melon , peppers , and brinjal .
Growing sunflowers in South Carolina
Growing sunflowers in South Carolina can be a rewarding experience . While the clime can be challenge at times , with the right approach , you’re able to work a splash of vibrant summertime gloss to your garden . In South Carolina , the mood is generally strong and humid . The summer are hot and long , with temperatures rarely dropping below 70 degrees Fahrenheit .
Winters are normally meek , with temperature rarely send away significantly below freezing . This intend that you wo n’t have to concern about frigid temperatures damage your sunflower . However , you will require to be mindful of the humidity levels in South Carolina .
humidness can stimulate fungous disease like powdery mold and fluffy mold . These disease can cause scrawny maturation and yellowing of the leaves . To forfend this , you should verify to water your sunflowers in the early morning and late evening , when humidity levels are lowly . You should also avoid overhead lachrymation , as this can increase the chances of fungal disease .
The warm climate in South Carolina is great for helianthus , as they favor ardent temperatures over cold . Sunflowers are usually plant in tardy saltation when the territory has warmed up and the peril of frost has passed . Sunflowers should receive at least 6-
Some of my favorite form of sunflower admit :
When to start sunflowers indoors in South Carolina
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 week before your terminal frost particular date . In South Carolina , the final frost dates are :
You should also consider the size of the sort of sunflower you are planting , as shorter varieties can be planted later on and taller varieties will need to be embark on a week or two in the beginning . Sunflowers should be start indoors :
Starting sunflowers from seminal fluid is a relatively well-situated procedure that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To start out , you will need to purchase sunflower seeds from a garden center or online . When selecting semen , verify to wait for the want variety you want to raise . Once you have your seeds , you’re able to select to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date for your region .
Fill a seed tray with starter soil and dampen it with a spray bottle . localise your seed on top of the soil , traverse them lightly with starter dirt , and water them gently . rank the tray in a warm and gay spot , and keep the soil moist . Once your plants have spring up 2 - 3 set of leaves , you’re able to transplant them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in South Carolina
helianthus seed should be planted outdoors after the last average frost date for your area . Planting sunflower seeds too betimes can ensue in poor germination and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a hard freeze .
When planting outdoors , check that the area has mess of sunshine and well - draining soil . grasp a hollow that is twice the size of the root ball , and fill the cakehole with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil , then water deeply .
For the remainder of the sunflower ’s life story , make trusted to keep the grunge moist and fertilize regularly . With right care , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no fourth dimension !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in South Carolina
When sunflower seed are ready to be harvest , the back of the blossom head will be teetotal and start to plow dark-brown . The individual seeds will be dry and solid . The green husks fence in the seed will have turned yellow-bellied or white and start to dry out . To verify if the seeds are ready to be harvested , thinly pinch the seed head between your thumb and forefinger . If the husks break open easily , the seeds are ready to harvest .
Harvesting helianthus seed is well-off . Cut the bloom head off the stem and spread it out on a clean surface . To remove the semen , employ your hands to fray the blossom point and release the seeds . Collect the seed in a large bowl or container . Once the seeds are harvested , salt away them in an airtight container in a cool , ironical place . Make certain the container is well sealed to keep the cum from go bad . Sunflower seeds can last for up to a year if stack away in good order .
Sunflower seeds are delicious and nutritious collation food . They can be eaten peeled , toasted , or sprouted . Sunflower seed are also used in salads , cereals , granola , and energy bars . They are debase with essential vitamins and mineral like Vitamin E , phosphorus , Mg , and Zn . Sunflower seeds can also be used to make sunflower seed butter , which is a enceinte alternative to peanut butter .
In addition to being a healthy collation , sunflower seeds are also used to make bird feed . you may leave your sunflowers integral outdoors well after the flowers have died to give your local birds a tasty collation !
