grow sunflowers in Missouri is an unbelievably rewarding experience . With its ardent , humid summers and cold winter , Missouri provides ideal conditions for sunflower to thrive . The soil in Missouri is rich and full of nutrients to serve the sunflowers arise strong and healthy .
Additionally , Missouri has wad of sunny days , which provide the perfect surroundings for sunflowers to grow their beautiful , vibrant color . Sunflowers are a great summation to any garden and cater a natural pop of colour . grow sunflowers in Missouri is a singular , pleasurable , and rewarding experience !
Missouri’s climate and growing zones
Missouri has a humid continental climate , with warm , humid summers and cold winter . The average annual temperature is 54 ° F ( 12 ° vitamin C ) . Summers bring hot and humid conditions , with temperature reaching up to 90 ° F ( 32 ° snow ) in July and August . wintertime are cold and can bring snow , with temperatures set down to as low as -10 ° F ( -23 ° snow ) in January . The middling annual downfall is 38 inch ( 96 centimeter ) .
Zone 5 : This zone extend the northern parts of the state and has a short rise time of year with Robert Frost - loose days ranging from 135 to 180 days . Winters are cold with temperature dropping as crushed as -20 ° F ( -29 ° C ) .
Zone 6 : This geographical zone covers the central office of the nation and has a longer grow season with icing - free days rate from 150 to 200 days . Winters are cold with temperatures dropping as low as -10 ° F ( -23 ° C ) .
Zone 7 : This zone covers the southern parts of the State Department and has the longest grow season with frost - free days range from 180 to 230 day . Winters are modest with temperature dropping as low as 0 ° F ( -18 ° C ) .
Growing sunflowers in Missouri
develop sunflowers in Missouri is a gravid room for gardener to bring a bit of luminance to their out-of-door distance . The climate in Missouri can vary greatly look on the time of year , with cold wintertime and hot , humid summers .
In the winter , temperatures can dim below freeze . This can make it difficult to grow helianthus in Missouri , as the low temperature can damage or belt down the plants . As a result , it ’s best to wait until the temperature is consistently above freezing before plant sunflowers in Missouri .
In the summertime , temperature in Missouri can be hot and humid . This is ideal for helianthus , as they fly high in warm climates . Sunflowers need plenty of sun to turn and farm flowers , so they should be planted in an area that receive lots of direct sunlight .
When acquire helianthus in Missouri , verify to water them regularly . Sunflowers require a lot of water , so check that to keep the dirt moist but not torpid . It ’s also important to fertilise sunflowers throughout the raise season to insure they get the nutrients they call for .
Some of my favored kind of sunflower let in :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Missouri
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your last hoarfrost date . In Missouri , the final frost dates are :
You should also consider the size of the variety of sunflower you are constitute , as shorter varieties can be found later and taller varieties will want to be started a week or two earlier . helianthus should be start up indoors :
start sunflower from seeded player is a comparatively easy cognitive process that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To begin , you will need to buy sunflower seed from a garden center or online . When selecting seed , make certain to look for the desired variety you want to grow . Once you have your seeds , you may choose to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date for your area .
replete a seed tray with starter soil and dampen it with a spray bottle . Place your seeds on top of the soil , cover them lightly with starter dirt , and water them gently . range the tray in a warm and sunny smear , and keep the soil moist . Once your plants have acquire 2 - 3 set of leaves , you could transplant them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Missouri
Sunflower seeds should be planted outdoors after the last average frost date for your area . Planting sunflower seeds too ahead of time can result in poor germination and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a arduous freeze .
When planting outdoors , check that the area has plenty of sunlight and well - draining soil . Dig a hole that is double the size of the theme lump , and occupy the trap with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the pickle and backfill with soil , then piss deeply .
For the residuum of the sunflower ’s life , verify to keep the soil moist and inseminate regularly . With proper care , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no clip !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Missouri
When sunflower ejaculate are quick to be harvested , the back of the flower head will be wry and start to turn brown . The individual come will be dry and truehearted . The green husks surrounding the seeds will have turn yellow or whitened and begun to dry out . To see if the seeds are quick to be harvested , light pinch the seed nous between your pollex and forefinger . If the stalk break dance open easily , the seeds are quick to glean .
Harvesting helianthus seed is easy . Cut the heyday manoeuver off the stem and spread it out on a clean surface . To remove the seeds , habituate your work force to rub the peak head and turn the source . pick up the seeds in a large bowl or container . Once the seeds are glean , store them in an airtight container in a cool , ironical station . check that the container is well sealed to keep the seeds from going high-risk . helianthus seeds can last for up to a year if salt away the right way .
helianthus seeded player are delicious and alimental bite intellectual nourishment . They can be eaten unsanded , toasted , or bourgeon . helianthus seed are also used in salad , food grain , granola , and energy bars . They are lade with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E , phosphorus , Mg , and zinc . Sunflower germ can also be used to make helianthus seed butter , which is a great alternative to peanut butter .
In improver to being a healthy snack , helianthus seeds are also used to make birdseed . you may forget your helianthus entire outside well after the flowers have died to give your local birds a tasty snack !
