Raleigh's popular sunflower field won't bloom this year, so why not plant your own?
Raleigh's popular sunflower field won't bloom this year, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy sunflowers this summer.
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"As summer approaches this year, social distancing is still recommended and there is uncertainty around when mass gatherings should resume," the announcement said. "With the health and safety of the community as top priority, and no way to limit the number of people visiting the iconic Raleigh sunflowers at any given time, the decision was made not to move forward with planting this year."
But that doesn't mean you can't soak up the beauty of bright sunflowers in your own backyard, and right now is the perfect time to plant them. "Sunflowers are really easy to grow," said Liz Driscoll, a 4-H youth specialist at NC State. It's best to plant them after the last frost and, she said, "I think even in the mountains we have hit this mark."
These fast-growing annuals should be planted in full sun. Driscoll said you can start sunflowers in small pots or containers indoors for later transporting. But they also grow from big seeds, which are easy to sow directly into the soil, even for young children with tiny fingers.
If you're new to planting sunflower seeds, here's what Driscoll recommends:
- Sunflowers would prefer well-drained soil, but can grow in most soils.
- Sunflowers do well with initial fertilization — you can add nutrients to the soil with a fertilizer of your choice, just follow the recommended rate on the back of the package and that it has nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
- When planting, space seeds about six inches apart in the row and plant them one to two inches deep. When seedlings come up, thin every other seed, for about 12 to 15 inches between plants. If you are planting in rows, make sure they are at least 2 to 3 feet apart.
- Water the seeds gently for the first seven to 10 days to ensure strong germination. After the seedlings have been established, irrigate as needed. Plant sunflowers with different varieties for blooming throughout the season or you can plant new seeds every three to four weeks for continuous blooming.
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