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SEEDS & SEEDLINGS

Ever thought about growing your own Sunflowers? 

Each Summer, here at Willowbank, we have a stunning sea of yellow throughout our paddocks with 15 acres of gorgeous Sunflowers flowering. The field is a beautiful sight to see, it's also very peaceful walking through the field seeing happy bees jumping from one flower to another collecting pollen. Approx. 95% of the flowers face the morning sun while we have a few rebels who decide to go against the pack and flower in the opposite direction LOL.

We sell our Sunflowers by the stem to florist and by bouquets to our local community. What's remaining in the field at the end of the season, we let dry and allow our cattle, alpacas and horses to graze off them. They absolutely love this treat, and the high oil count leaves them with beautiful shiny coats.

SUNFLOWERS DETAILS:

  • Annual flower that is NOT frost tolerant
  • Stem height, depending on the time of planting, seasonal weather and soil conditions, grow anywhere from knee hight to over 6 foot tall.
  • Mostly single stems while there being a random multiple flowing stem appearing.
  • Two styles: yellow petals with mostly green centres and sometimes there are yellow rounded centres.

Best months to sow:

Cool September to December (plant after last frost recommended). Flowers through to May or first frost appears.
Temperate August to December. Flowers through to May or first frost appears.
Sub-Tropical August through to May
Tropical March through to November
Arid All year

 

Quick Sowing Guide:

Method Sow direct or raise as a seedling. We plant directly with a slow-release fertiliser.
Sowing Depth 10 mm
Season Spring & early Summer
Hardiness Not frost tolerant, plant after last frost
Germination 7-14 days @ 21-30 degrees celsius 
Spacing 10 - 30cm, personal choice
Plant Height Up to 6 foot tall depending on conditions
Position Full sun, well-drained soil
Day to maturity 70 - 90 days

 

Happy planting!