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Talkback: Growing sunflowers

Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
in Talkback
Well Kate, you can only do your best, but whether that will be enough to grow a sunflower taller than David and I only time will tell. And I think we'll have some competition out there too.

As all our readers will be getting a free packet of sunflower seeds with their April issue, thousands are set to be sown over the coming weeks.

Let's hope there's a Record Breaker among them! Good luck everyone.
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  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Based on this inside information I am now well armed to beat you in the sunflower stakes, Ms Bradbury. My plans now include improving the soil with elephant dung, fixing up a 24hr sun lamp and planting my seedlings at the base of a 4m length of rainwater downpipe (to force them to grow up in search of the light!).
    Seriously though Kate, my last efforts at growing giant sunflowers were scuppered by marauding molluscs... I may come round and tip some over your wall if the competition gets serious!
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Can't wait to get my seeds and start sowing. I don't envy your lack of sun, Kate. I've got a great spot at the side of my garage which gets sun for most of the day. Not sure if 8m is achievable, but there's only one way to find out.. Happy growing everyone, let the battle commence!
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Got my seeds, when can I so direct?
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    if i dont want to grow a giant,then what varieties can i sow that will produce those smaller types that are now commonly seen as cut flowers?
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I got quite excited by the idea of growing a giant sunflower so searched my GW mag for the seeds - none. Searched the recycle bin -none but it could do with a good wash. Searched under the table - none but it could do with a good hoover. Searched under the settee in the conservatory - none but it could do with a good sweep out. So I won't be growing any giant sunflowers but I do have a cleaner house - thank you GW.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Arnos74 - depends where you live. Warm the soil using cloches beforehand, and sow after all risk of frost has passed. Make sure you protect seedlings from slugs and birds!

    gavtheblade - dwarf varieties include 'Sunspot', Music Box' and 'Elite Sun'.

    Kate
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I grew Miusic Box a couple of years ago in the little bit of soil I have at the front of my house. Loads of people would stop to look at them & I got lots of comments on them. They're a great variety for small gardens.

    Talking of which, just how much room do you need to grow giant sunflowers?

    My garden is very small, but this sounds like a really fun & tempting opportunity. Will they grow in pots? If so I could place them near to the house as that's the best place in my garden for sun.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    chrissie - my garden is tiny, you don't need loads of space. I'm growing one in a bucket roughly 40cm diameter, and the rest in the border. The bucket might not be big enough for a root system to sustain an 8m tall sunflower, but we'll see. It's all a big experiment!
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    thanx kate,i will defo look out for those-i love the look of them.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Good luck everyone with growing giants, but I want the flowers where I can see them so I'll be pinching out my plants to make them smaller and bushier. It's way too windy for giants in my garden anyway!
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