Sunflowers closed up

dangermousie · August 2022

Hi! My multi-headed sunflower is closing up, hiding the seeds. Could be aphids? If so, Any advice on removing aphids that I can't reach by hand, using something that won't harm an animal that might want the seeds?
Would be ok to cut back the green to expose the seeds? Or is the sunflower supposed to go through this phase?
Thanks

Dovefromabove · August 2022

Best left alone … all part of the ripening process … the seeds won’t be anywhere near ripe yet. When they are the birds and animals will get them … there’s nothing you need do.

It’s as well to be aware that there are some new forms of sunflower which don’t produce pollen or seeds, but if yours have been attracting bees they’re unlikely to be that sort.

B3 · August 2022

Is there any point in watering sunflowers after the flowers have died? Will the seeds ripen anyway?

Dovefromabove · August 2022

In most years I would say there's no need ... this year who can say? Plants do need moisture to swell the seed ... that's why much of the wheat crop in East Anglia this year is very poor indeed ...

B3 · August 2022

Thanks @Dovefromabove. Maybe the odd drip, then💧
Poor grain crops are bad news for everyone this year😟

dangermousie · August 2022

Thanks @Dovefromabove! First sunflowers I’ve grown since I was ten

Dovefromabove · August 2022

B3 said:

Thanks @Dovefromabove. Maybe the odd drip, then💧
Poor grain crops are bad news for everyone this year😟

With the weather and the Ukraine situation, coupled with Brexit … a perfect storm 😖 😢

Sunflowers closed up

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