When and how to plant sunflower seeds

Sunflower seed planting time

Sunflower seeds have a certain degree of cold resistance. As long as the soil temperature is between 8 and 10 degrees, they can be sown. The suitable sowing temperature is around 18 to 25 degrees. Generally, the best time should be chosen in April each year. Depending on the requirements of the variety, it can also be chosen in late May each year.

How to grow sunflower seeds

1. Choose the variety

There are many varieties of sunflower seeds. Try to choose varieties with high yield, salt-alkali tolerance, and disease and pest resistance according to the local climate. The quality should be excellent, so as to increase the survival rate.

2. Seed treatment

After sowing, sunflower seeds are susceptible to pests, so they need to be disinfected in advance to avoid trouble later. You can dilute the methyl isothioate solution with water, pour the seeds in and soak while stirring, and keep them in a steaming place for about 6-8 hours. After the seeds are 70% dry in the shade, they can be sown.

3. Site selection and land preparation

Sunflower seeds cannot be planted in low-lying soil. The requirements for soil are not strict, but it is best to provide loose, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic sandy loam rich in humus. After deep plowing, apply farmyard manure, and then sow in spots, with a sowing depth of about 3-5 cm.

Sunflower seed planting precautions

After the sunflower seeds are planted, seedlings will emerge about half a month after sowing. The seedlings should be checked and replanted in time, and watering and topdressing should be applied to meet the growth needs of the sunflower seeds. Artificial pollination should be required in the later stage to increase the pollination rate.