Germination
Sun, 10/19/2008 - 19:28 — janice white
I tried two locations, Pebble Beach and Yountville, for planting the sunflower seeds I received and was unable to sprout a single seed. I would love to try again in 2009 and hopefully will have better luck. Do you have any secrets to pass on about growing these sunflowers? I have had sucess growing sunflowers in Yountville.
I have shared your contact information with the Conservation Chairman of our Garden Club, perhaps you will have many more bee counters in Monterey County next year.
Janice White
Germination
I am on my second crop of sunflowers. I live on the central coast near 101. I know here in California it has been very dry--and our queens do need water. I start my seeds in little seed starter packs. I water them every day. I wait until they are 4 inches tall--then I transplant them to the spot I want them to grow at. Once a week a little nurishment or fertilizer diluted in a watering can----poured in after a watering. When they are 4 foot tall I test the soil---if it is damp I don't water. You could also not water every day, but watch how they look. When they start looking a little droopy---then give them a good soak. Our local garden shops and home depot's have good seed supplies--and carry Lemon Queen. It would take the stress off of the University if we would all buy our packet of seeds. Come on---$2.00 tops! Hope this has been some help to you.
Changing cultivars
For the upcoming year, we're planning to switch to "Lemon Queen" sunflowers. We've consulted with a bunch of sunflower seed growers and they've been a wonderful help. This should solve any germination problems. If you look these up, make sure you look for the annual, there is also a perennial sunflower called Lemon Queen.