Growing sunflowers in Maryland is a great experience . Maryland ’s climate and soil provide the perfect surround for helianthus growth , allowing these beautiful plants to thrive and bring a touch of fair weather to any garden .
helianthus ask minimum alimony , with the correct condition they will flower in abundance and convey bright bursts of colour and smasher to the garden . helianthus plants are live to draw bee and other good insects , and their seeds are a swell seed of food for thought for local wildlife . With the proper care and attention , sunflowers in Maryland can be a marvellous gain to any garden or outside space .
Maryland’s climate and growing zones
Maryland has a humid subtropical climate , with blistering and humid summers , and mild to cool wintertime . The state have an average of 43 inches of rain a year and experiences four distinct seasons . Maryland has maturate zones 5b through 8a .
grow geographical zone 5b is considered the “ transition zone ” of Maryland . This zone experiences dusty winter and red-hot summers , but the temperatures rarely dip below -10 degrees Fahrenheit . This zone is suitable for many deciduous Tree , shrubs , and perennials .
Growing geographical zone 6a is slightly lovesome than geographical zone 5b , with cold winters and hot summers . The temperature seldom dip below -10 degrees Fahrenheit . This zona is worthy for many deciduous trees , shrubs , and perennials .
Growing zone 6b is slimly fond than zone 6a , with frigid winters and red-hot summers . While temperatures in this zone rarely dip below -5 degrees Fahrenheit , they can still be affected by periodic icing . This zone is suitable for many deciduous trees , shrub , and perennial .
Growing geographical zone 7a is somewhat warmer than zone 6b , with inhuman wintertime and spicy summers . The temperature seldom dips below 0 degrees Fahrenheit . This zone is desirable for many deciduous trees , bush , and perennials .
Finally , produce zone 8a is the warmest zone in Maryland , with modest winters and hot summers . The temperature rarely dips below 10 degrees Fahrenheit . This zone is suitable for many deciduous trees , shrub , and perennials .
Growing sunflowers in Maryland
grow sunflowers in Maryland can be a rewarding experience ; however , it can also be a challenge calculate on the climate . Maryland typically has a moderate clime , with hot , humid summers and cold , wet winters .
In the warmer months , Maryland is an ideal place to grow sunflowers . The soil in Maryland is generally well - draining and high in constitutional issue , making it ideal for sunflower growth . sunflower choose full sunshine , so make trusted to embed your sunflower in a sunny spot with lots of direct sun . You will also demand to assure that you provide batch of water for your sunflowers , as they call for a luck of wet to flourish .
In colder calendar month , however , growing sunflowers in Maryland can be a bit more challenging . sunflower are sensitive to cold temperatures and can be damaged by frost . To protect your helianthus from the cold , you could cut through them with a frost cover or mulch when temperature start to drop . Additionally , you’re able to seek to opt sunflower form that are more cold - sturdy and can stand firm low-spirited temperature .
Some of my favorite variety of sunflower let in :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Maryland
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your final frost date . In Maryland , the last frost dates are :
You should also view the size of the multifariousness of sunflower you are planting , as scant varieties can be implant later and taller miscellany will require to be begin a week or two earlier . Sunflowers should be started indoors :
Starting helianthus from seed is a relatively easy mental process that can be done both indoors and outside . To begin , you will need to purchase sunflower seeds from a garden centre or online . When selecting seeds , make indisputable to look for the hope smorgasbord you require to grow . Once you have your seeds , you could choose to start them indoors 4 hebdomad before the last freeze escort for your area .
Fill a seeded player tray with starter ground and moisten it with a spraying feeding bottle . localise your seeds on top of the dirt , incubate them light with starter filth , and irrigate them mildly . lay the tray in a warm and gay spot , and keep the dirt moist . Once your plants have grown 2 - 3 set of leave-taking , you’re able to transplant them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Maryland
helianthus seeds should be plant outside after the last median hoarfrost date for your area . Planting sunflower seed too early can lead in poor sprouting and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a tough halt .
When planting outdoors , make trusted the area has mountain of sunniness and well - draining soil . grind a kettle of fish that is twice the size of the root bollock , and fill up the hole with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with stain , then urine deeply .
For the remainder of the sunflower ’s life , check that to keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly . With proper care , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no time !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Maryland
When sunflower semen are ready to be harvested , the back of the flower head will be dry and set about to turn brown . The single seeds will be dry and firm . The green husks surrounding the seeds will have turned yellow-bellied or white and begin to dry out out . To confirm whether the seeds are ready to be glean , light top the seed brain between your thumb and forefinger . If the shuck break open easily , the seeds are quick to harvest .
Harvesting sunflower seeds is easy . Cut the flower head off the stem and spread it out on a clean surface . To remove the semen , use your hands to rub the efflorescence head and release the seed . Collect the seeds in a big bowl or container . Once the seeds are harvested , store them in an airtight container in a nerveless , teetotal seat . Make indisputable the container is well sealed to keep the seed from going regretful . Sunflower seeds can last for up to a year if stored the right way .
helianthus come are pleasant-tasting and alimentary snack food . They can be eat raw , toasted , or spud . helianthus seeds are also used in salads , cereal grass , granola , and vim bars . They are loaded with essential vitamin and minerals like Vitamin E , phosphorus , atomic number 12 , and zinc . Sunflower seeds can also be used to make sunflower seed butter , which is a corking option to earthnut butter .
In addition to being a hefty bite , helianthus seeded player are also used to make birdseed . you may leave your helianthus intact outside well after the flowers have died to give your local chick a tasty snack !
