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Location

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Date Posted

Central NY

Sughestiins?

1/30/2017 2:03:05 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Last year I planted some decorative sunflowers, the kind with small heads that are supposed to get 5' to 7' tall. Just used a section that had been fertilized for pumpkins. Once they were up I mulched heavy with grass clippings. No michorizae. They got 12' to 14' tall. We had hot wet weather. So I suggest fertilizing like you are trying to grow a 1600# pumpkin. http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=263281

1/30/2017 2:26:10 PM

Johnston, Iowa

I've had the best luck when using a single-head, black seed variety. Watering, fertilizing, etc., like giant pumpkin. And it helps if you have them growing somewhere that they won't get blown over during a storm

1/30/2017 2:34:17 PM

Wixom MI.

PRAY,PRAY REAL HARD !!! (o:

1/30/2017 4:18:22 PM

Wixom MI.

http://www.worldclassgardening.com/products/index.html?action=fulldet_seed&p=438

Steve DeRycke ties his against telephone poles !!! and grows them to 23 feet

marv Mitchell build a 20 scafold that he clims and ties his too
and he grows them over 20 feet every year for 5 years now. i know marv waters his twice a day and will feed them straight nitrogen 36-0-0 but you have to be very careful with that of cource.
i think that i will try them again and see if i can beat my personal best of 16'-4"

1/30/2017 4:35:11 PM

Netherlands

Light inhibits growth, so keeping the growing tip dark (pail) will promote growth. You will need to support it though as the stalks won't firm up. Obviously you have to use a pulley system on the pail to raise it as the plant grows.

1/31/2017 4:30:59 AM

Emmetsburg, Iowa

Like his bucket idea, you can just duct tape a black bag loosely on the head of the plant.

1/31/2017 11:16:50 AM

Thuringia/Germany

Thank you Phil! Packet has arrived. If also damaged.
Great your commitment! It was like Christmas!
I will replace the difference at the next seed exchange.
Thanks to all participants!
http://www.crazy-growers.de/showthread.php?3738-Th%FCringer-Allerlei-2017&p=80504#post80504
A suggestion ... Shannon Engel led a list of all participants.
That was all that was donated. Collected Works. It is easier for us all. A sheet of paper and all know.
I look forward to a next time.
thx

1/31/2017 11:31:26 AM

Thuringia/Germany

Sorry .... Ken, please delete!

1/31/2017 11:32:59 AM

Netherlands

The black bag will likely burn and/or cook the head.

2/1/2017 4:14:43 AM

Canada

I have grown 20 ft plus tall sunflowers for over 10 years. I use a 5 gallon pail with the bottom cut out of it , I raise it every day or two always keeping the head inside the pail. Once the head gets to 4 inches I remove the pail and support it making a cradle and pulling it up with binder twine not allowing the head to bend over Each plant is staked and tied every foot to keep the stalk thin and straight. Nitrogen can stop the growth if too much is applied. I use a water soluable 24-3-8 fert weekly along with a fish and seaweed tea. Tying the stalk is the key to getting tall sunflowers and corn

2/1/2017 9:53:11 AM

Would planting at the back of a building in the shade with only early morning and late afternoon sun be of any benefit?
The reason I ask this is my 6-8 ft. bushes will grow 16 reaching for the sun and have gotten some seeds to try.

2/1/2017 10:22:52 AM

Canada

I found that sunflowers do better on the sunny side and corn on the shady side

2/1/2017 1:08:19 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks for the posts John Butler. Why do you want the stalk thin? To promote growth up top I assume?

2/4/2017 8:26:27 PM

Canada

the stalk will remain thin as long as it is staked and tied.This will promote more energy for lenghth. I have tried no bucket and with bucket and with the bucket end up taller.I have gronw around 18 ft without a bucket. I also put remay over the head just before the seeds ripen to keep the bird and squirrels from stealing the seeds. Tying the remay to the stake helps support the head

2/5/2017 7:23:16 AM

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Very much appreciated.

2/7/2017 6:39:03 AM

Central NY

shhhh...(thank you)

2/7/2017 2:35:26 PM