There’s hardly a flower that evokes feelings of joy and warmth as much as the sunflower. These striking flowers, with their radiant faces following the sun, are a testament to the beauty of nature. As your trusted local experts at Moana Nursery, we’re delighted to share a comprehensive guide on how you can successfully grow sunflowers, from seed to bloom, right here in Reno, NV.

Why Sunflowers?

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are native to the Americas and thrive in sunny, hot conditions, making them an excellent choice for our Nevada gardens. They’re drought-tolerant, easy to care for, and their spectacular blooms make them a fantastic focal point in any landscape. Whether you plant them in the ground or in pots, sunflowers are versatile, vibrant, and easy to care for. Moreover, sunflowers are a haven for pollinators, encouraging a biodiverse environment in your garden.

Choosing Your Seeds

Sunflowers come in a surprising variety of sizes and colors. From towering ‘Mammoth’ varieties that can reach up to 12 feet in height to smaller ‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers perfect for containers, there’s a sunflower for every garden. Some have traditional yellow petals, while others can be red, orange, or even striped.

Sowing the Seeds

• When to Sow: Sunflowers are heat-loving plants. The best time to sow sunflower seeds is in late spring, once the soil has warmed to at least 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Where to Sow: Choose a location that gets 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Sunflowers aren’t overly fussy about soil but prefer a well-draining site.
• How to Sow: Plant the seeds 1 inch deep and about 6 inches apart. If you’re planting a tall variety, give them more space. Water well after planting.

While growing sunflowers from seed is a great option early on in the growing season, purchasing Moana Grown nursery plants, grown locally by Moana Nursery, provide immediate beauty and eliminates the wait time for seeds to sprout. Moana Grown sunflowers are ready to transplant directly into your garden or pots, making them an ideal choice for gardeners who want to skip the germination stage and enjoy blooms faster.

Planting Sunflowers in the Ground vs. Pots

• In the Ground: Planting sunflowers directly in the ground offers the best long-term growth. The soil’s natural nutrients, combined with the sunflowers’ deep root systems, allow for optimal growth. Ground-planted sunflowers have room to expand and can grow to their full potential. Be sure to plant them in an area that gets full sunlight and is shielded from strong winds to avoid breakage.
• In Pots: Growing sunflowers in pots offers flexibility and allows you to easily move them around, especially if you want to keep them out of the wind. Smaller varieties can thrive in containers, but it’s important to choose a large pot with proper drainage to avoid root rot. Keep in mind that potted sunflowers may not grow as large as those planted in the ground, but they can still produce stunning flowers.

Caring for Your Sunflowers

• Watering: Sunflowers are remarkably drought-tolerant, but they do grow best with regular watering. Deep, infrequent watering encourages a strong root system. During the hottest months, regular watering will help keep them healthy and vibrant. Avoid overwatering, especially in pots, as the soil can retain too much moisture and potentially cause root rot. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again, ensuring the plant isn’t sitting in wet soil for too long.
• Fertilizing: While sunflowers aren’t heavy feeders, a light application of a balanced flower fertilizer can give them a boost, especially if your soil is poor.
• Support: Taller varieties may need staking to help them stand tall, especially in windy locations.
• Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and caterpillars. A strong spray of water can often dislodge these pests.

Encouraging Reseeding for Next Year’s Growth

Although sunflowers are annuals, they can reseed themselves for the following year, giving you a fresh crop without having to plant new seeds. To encourage reseeding:

• Leave Seed Heads Intact: After the flowers have bloomed and started to die back, let the heads remain on the plant. The seeds will mature, and birds will help disperse them to nearby areas. Finches and chickadees especially love to snack on sunflower seeds and will even hang upside down on the flower heads to pick out the seeds! The seeds will drop naturally and may grow new plants in the spring. If you want to enjoy the seeds for yourself, consider harvesting them when they turn brown and the seeds are firm, then let them dry further indoors before storing them.
• Cutting Back: If you prefer to control where they grow, cut the spent flowers off and collect the seeds. Plant them in the fall or early spring for the next growing season, or scatter them around your garden to naturally encourage self-sowing.

Enjoying Your Sunflowers

Typically, sunflowers will bloom 80 to 120 days after seeding, depending on the variety. Once your sunflowers open their faces to the sun, you can cut them for bouquets, leave them to add beauty to your garden, or allow them to go to seed for a tasty treat for your local bird population. In fact, it’s common for Finches to eat the sunflower leaves! Many customers bring in sunflower leaves thinking it’s a bug eating them, but many times it’s Finches. 

Growing sunflowers from seed to bloom is an immensely rewarding gardening project that adds beauty, utility, and environmental value to your garden. As always, the team at Moana Nursery is here to provide expert advice and high-quality gardening supplies to make your gardening journey a success. Happy planting, and enjoy the sunshine that sunflowers bring to your yard!