How to Germinate Sunflowers

A variety of sunflower types are available for the home gardener, from diminutive dwarf varieties grown for ornamental purposes to 6-foot giants that produce large flowers and edible seeds. Sunflowers germinate well in warm soils when planted directly in the garden bed after the spring frost danger passes. Starting the seeds indoors isn't typically recommended, since the sunflower roots are easily damaged by the disturbance of replanting outdoors. Sowing the seeds in warm, well-prepared soil improves the chances of successful germination.

Compost
Hoe

Instructions

- 1
  Spread garden compost or well-composted manure over a full-sun garden bed. Work the compost into the top 8 inches of soil, using a hoe or power tiller.
- 2
  Drag one corner of the hoe along each planting row, creating a 4-inch-deep planting furrow. Space multiple rows 1 foot apart for standard and dwarf varieties, and 2 to 3 feet apart for giant types.
- 3
  Sow the sunflower seeds in the bottom of the furrow --- no need to remove the shell first. Space the seeds approximately 6 inches apart in each furrow, and then cover them with a ½-inch layer of soil.
- 4
  Water the bed after sowing the sunflower seeds. Water every three to five days as necessary so the top 6 inches of soil remains moist.
- 5
  Add soil to the furrow once the sunflower seeds germinate and send up sprouts. Gradually build up the soil in the furrow over the course of two to three weeks until the furrow is filled with soil. The plants produce new roots off the stem under the soil's surface, which helps them grow into stronger plants. Do not bury the leaves on the seedlings when filling in the furrow.

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