Growing helianthus in Arkansas is a fantastic experience . Sunflowers are one of the best flowers to grow in this state due to the temperate climate and copious sunshine . They are gentle to grow and can thrive in many different land type , making them an ideal bloom to implant in Arkansas .
Sunflowers can be planted in moulding , in pots , or in prominent fields . They ply a beautiful , vivacious video display of golden blooms in the summer months , and even in the free fall they are an attractive addition to any garden .
Sunflowers are also know for appeal beneficial pollinator like bees and butterflies , which can aid to ensure a healthy garden . Growing sunflowers in Arkansas is a great way to add a touching of color and aliveness to any outdoor place .
Arkansas climate and growing zones
Arkansas has a humid , subtropic mood with live , humid summertime and modest winters . The state is divide into 6 distinct uprise zones , ranging from Zone 6 to Zone 8 .
Zone 6 is located in the northerly part of the nation and experiences frigid winters with temperatures as low as -10 ° atomic number 9 . Summers are mild and temperatures can reach up to 90 ° degree Fahrenheit . This zone is optimum for nerveless - time of year plants such as pouf , poppies , and snapdragons .
geographical zone 7 is located in the central portion of Arkansas and experiences temperate temperatures in the winter months with Low attain as low as -5 ° F . summer are spicy and humid with temperatures reaching up to 95 ° F . This zona is ideal for works such as rose , hydrangeas , and black - eyed Susans .
Zone 8 is located in the southerly part of the United States Department of State and experience mild winters with temperature as low as 10 ° F . summertime are hot and humid with temperature reach up to 100 ° atomic number 9 . This zone is ideal for plant such as Knock Out roses , bougainvillea , and lantana .
Growing sunflowers in Arkansas
Sunflowers are beautiful and easy to produce in most climates . In Arkansas , the weather are especially favorable for growing sunflower . Arkansas has a warm and moist clime , with temperature ranging from 80 ° F in the summer to 40 ° degree Fahrenheit in the winter . This variety of climate is ideal for sunflowers , as they need slew of sunlight and well - drained soil to thrive .
In Arkansas , you should start your sunflower indoors in late February or other March , then transfer them to the garden after the last frost . The come should be planted about an in deep in moist soil and kept in a sunny location . Sunflowers should be water on a regular basis and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer . To keep the works healthy , you should hit dead or diseased folio and stem .
In inhuman climate , sunflowers can be difficult to turn as they are prostrate to freezing temperatures . However , in Arkansas , the meek climate make it well-heeled to produce sunflower . The territory should be maintain damp during the cold calendar month , and the plants may call for to be cross with a level of mulch or hay to protect them from frost . When the weather condition starts to warm up in the spring , the plants should be moved to a sunn
Some of my favourite varieties of sunflower include :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Arkansas
Sunflowerseeds should be start indoors 4 workweek before your final frost date . In state , the final frost dates are :
You should also debate the size of the sort of sunflower you are plant , as shorter varieties can be planted afterward and improbable variety will call for to be started a week or two originally . Sunflowers should be commence indoors :
Starting sunflowers from seed is a relatively wanton process that can be done both indoors and alfresco . To begin , you will take to buy helianthus seed from a garden shopping mall or online . When take seeds , make certain to see for the desired variety you want to grow . Once you have your seeds , you may choose to start them indoors 4 week before the last frost appointment for your region .
fill up a ejaculate tray with starter soil and moisten it with a atomiser bottle . Place your seed on top of the grease , traverse them lightly with starter grease , and water them gently . set the tray in a ardent and cheery spot , and keep the soil moist . Once your plants have develop 2 - 3 sets of leaves , you’re able to transplant them out of doors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Arkansas
Sunflower semen should be planted outdoors after the last average frost date for your area . Planting sunflower seeds too early can result in wretched germination and seedling increase and potentially death if there ’s a hard frost .
When planting outdoors , make certain the field has heap of sunshine and well - draining dirt . Dig a fix that is twice the size of the root formal , and fill the yap with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil , then water deeply .
For the remainder of the sunflower ’s spirit , make certain to keep the soil moist and fecundate on a regular basis . With proper guardianship , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no time !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Arkansas
When sunflower seeds are ready to be harvested , the back of the flower promontory will be dry and start to turn brown . The individual seeds will be ironic and firm . The green husks besiege the ejaculate will have call on white-livered or white and begun to dry out out . To confirm whether the seeds are ready to be harvested , thinly pinch the seed school principal between your thumb and index finger . If the straw break open easy , the seed are ready to reap .
Harvesting helianthus seeds is light . slue the flower head off the fore and overspread it out on a clean surface . To remove the seeds , utilise your work force to rub the flower read/write head and unfreeze the seeds . Collect the seeds in a large pipe bowl or container . Once the seeds are harvested , store them in an airtight container in a nerveless , dry place . ensure the container is well sealed to keep the seeds from get sorry . Sunflower seeds can last for up to a yr if stored properly .
Sunflower seeds are delicious and nutritious snack solid food . They can be eat raw , toasted , or sprout . helianthus seeds are also used in salads , cereal grass , granola , and get-up-and-go bars . They are loaded with all-important vitamin and minerals like Vitamin E , phosphorus , atomic number 12 , and Zn . Sunflower seeds can also be used to make sunflower ejaculate butter , which is a large alternative to peanut butter .
In addition to being a healthy collation , helianthus seeds are also used to make birdseed . you may leave your sunflower intact outside well after the flowers have died to give your local skirt a tasty snack !
