At a coup d’oeil
Sunflowers , with theircheerful bloomsand nutritious semen , are a delightful addition to any garden . Whether you ’re a seasoned gardener or a novice , acquire edible sunflowers is arewarding experience . This comprehensive guide will cater you with everything you require to know about planting eatable sunflower seeds , insure a big crop of yummy and nutritious seeds .
Choosing the Right Seeds
The first step is to opt the rightsunflower seeds . bet forvarieties specifically labeledas “ edible ” or “ oilseed . ” These variety have larger seed with a high oil content , making them idealistic for eating . Some democratic edible sunflower miscellany admit :
Preparing the Soil
Sunflowers thrive in well - enfeeble soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 . Before planting , till the soil to a depth of 12 - 18 inches . better the soil with compost or manure toimprove drainageand rankness .
Planting the Seeds
When to Plant : Plant sunflower seedsin the spring after the last frost escort . Inwarm climates , you may also found in the fall for a wintertime harvest . Spacing : Plant sunflower seeds6 - 12 inches apart inrows spaced3 - 4 metrical foot apart . imbed the seeds 1 - 2inches deepin the ground . lacrimation : Water the seeds exhaustively after set . Keep thesoil moist , but not soggy , until the seedling egress .
Caring for Sunflower Plants
Fertilizing : Fertilize helianthus plantsonce a month with a balanced fertiliser . Watering : sunflower are drought - resistant , but they will grow more seeds if they arewatered regularly , specially during hot and dry conditions . Staking : improbable helianthus varietiesmay need to be game to foreclose them from toppling over .
Harvesting Sunflower Seeds
When to Harvest : Sunflower seedsare ready to reap when the back of theseed head turns brownand the seeds are plump . How to Harvest : Cut theseed point from the plants and let them to dry out in a lovesome , teetotal placefor several week . Once the seed are dry , you’re able to polish off them from the semen caput by chafe them with your hands or using a seed thrasher .
Storing Sunflower Seeds
entrepot helianthus seeds in anairtight containerin a cool , teetotal place . They will keep for several months .
How to Eat Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seed can beeaten cutting , roast , or added to salad , soup , and other dishes . They are agood sourceof protein , roughage , and healthy fats .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
FAQs
Q : How long does it take forsunflower seedsto germinate?A : helianthus seeds typically germinatewithin 7 - 14 Day . Q : How tall do edible sunflowers grow?A : eatable sunflower varietiescan grow anywhere from 3 to 12 feet marvelous . Q : Can Igrow edible sunflowersin containers?A : Yes , you cangrow edible sunflowersin containers as long as they are large enough to admit the plant’sroot system . Choose a container with drainage mess and satiate it with well - draining potting premix . Q : Do edible sunflowers attract bees?A : Yes , edible sunflowersare attractive to bees and other pollinators . Q : Aresunflower seeds goodfor you?A : Yes , sunflower seedsare agood sourceof protein , roughage , and healthy fatty tissue . They are also a good source of vitamin and mineral , including vitaminE , magnesium , and selenium .
