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How To Grow Sunflower : It is not possible for people living in cities to have a big garden. This is the reason why the trend of container gardening i.e. growing plants in pots is increasing rapidly. In such a situation, many people are growing flowers, vegetables and even fruits in pots on their balconies and terraces. If you want to make your garden look blooming and beautiful, then sunflower flower is a great option. These yellow and blooming flowers give a different glow in the sun. The most important thing is that sunflower is a plant which can grow well even in less space. Only if it is taken care of properly.
This plant likes bright sunlight, but excess water or wrong soil can stunt its growth. Let us also tell you in this article, how you can grow sunflower plant in your balcony. How much sunlight, how much water and how much fertilizer is required for this. Also, which is the best season to plant sunflower? That means step by step complete guide.
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Right time to plant sunflower
The best time to plant sunflower is when the weather is neither too cold nor too rainy. Generally spring (February to March) and beginning of summer (before June) are considered best for sowing sunflower seeds. The temperature at this time remains between 20- 30°C, which is perfect for germination and growth. Seeds do not grow properly in extreme cold and roots can rot in continuous heavy rains.
How to grow sunflower plant in pot
If you are planting a sunflower then take a pot at least 1216 inches deep. There must be a drainage hole at the bottom. After this prepare the soil. For this, 50% garden soil, 30% compost, 20% sand or coco peat. Now it’s time to sow the seeds. For this, press the seeds in the pot to a depth of 1 inch. Plant only 12 seeds in one pot. Now give light water.
how much sunlight is needed
Sunflower plant needs a lot of sunlight. It needs 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. The balcony should be such that it receives sunlight for most of the day, especially from morning to afternoon. If there is less sunlight, the plant will grow tall but will remain weak. Also the flowers will be smaller or will arrive late. One more thing… keep rotating the pot from time to time so that the plant does not lean in one direction.
What is the correct way of watering?
Sunflower neither likes too much water nor completely dry soil. Therefore it is very important to create balance. Whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil in the pot feels dry, water it. In summer, you may have to water every day or every other day. The need for water reduces in winter. But keep in mind that it is important to have good drainage in the pot. Do not let water stagnate after filling it, otherwise the roots may rot. There is no need to pour water on the leaves daily, it is more important to water the roots.
Right time and way to give fertilizer
Sunflower is a fast growing plant, hence it needs nutrition from time to time. Give light fertilizer for the first time 15-20 days after sowing the seeds. When the plant starts growing, fertilize it once every 20-25 days. For fertilizer, you can use rotten cow dung, vermi compost or homemade kitchen compost. At the same time, keep in mind that when flowers are about to appear, you can use organic fertilizers containing phosphorus (like bone meal). Try to use only chemical free fertilizer, otherwise leaves will grow but flowers will be less.
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