grow sunflowers in Washington is an unbelievably rewarding experience . The state ’s modest climate and copious sunshine make it an ideal speckle for produce vibrant and cheerful bloom . sunflower are easy to grow and necessitate minimum care , make them a perfect option for novice gardeners .
With a minute of planning and a few childlike steps , you could make a sensational display of helianthus in your own backyard . helianthus institute beauty , colouration , and delight to any garden , and with Washington ’s modest climate , they are certain to thrive .
Washington climate and growing zones
grow Zone 4a , located in the northernmost part of the state , has an median yearly minimum temperature of -30 to -20 ° F . This zone is suitable for stale - broad plant such as quince , pear , and apple trees , as well as blueberry and raspberry bush bushes .
Growing Zone 5a has an average yearly minimal temperature of -20 to -10 ° F . This zone is suitable for inhuman - liberal plant such as rhododendrons , hardy rose , and hydrangeas .
Growing Zone 6a has an median annual minimum temperature of -10 to 0 ° fluorine . This zone is worthy for a wide chain of mountains of plant , include lilac , azalea , and magnolias .
Hardiness Zones 7a Through 9a
Growing Zone 7a has an average annual minimal temperature of 0 to 10 ° F . This zone is suitable for a wide variety of plant , including many potpourri of efflorescence , shrub , and trees , such as dogwood , hickory , and maple .
Growing Zone 8a has an average annual minimum temperature of 10 to 20 ° F . This geographical zone is desirable for a broad variety of plant , including many varieties of flowers , shrubs , and trees , such as oak tree , lacewood , and cherry .
Growing Zone 9a has an average annual minimal temperature of 20 to 30 ° F . This zone is worthy for a broad assortment of plants , include many varieties of flowers , shrubs , and tree diagram , such as willow , maple , and beech .
Growing sunflowers in Washington
Growing helianthus in Washington is possible but can be a bit tricky . Washington has a clime that is suited for a smorgasbord of crop , but helianthus can be a bit more intriguing due to the ice chest temperatures . The cold-blooded winter months can make it difficult for helianthus to make it , especially if the soil is not adequately isolate from the cold .
In areas with colder climates , sunflowers should be plant in late spring or early summertime , so that they can have time to get established before the cold weather get in . Planting helianthus in a location that is shelter from the wind and that is disclose to direct sunlight can help to keep the plants quick . Mulch around the industrial plant can also help to insulate the soil , keeping it warmer .
In areas with warm climate , sunflower can be planted class - round . They will do best in full sun and will ask unconstipated tearing . Adding compost or plant food to the grunge can also aid to provide the plants with the nutrient they need .
Some of my favorite variety of helianthus include :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Washington
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your final rime date . In Washington , the concluding frost dates are :
You should also consider the sizing of the variety of sunflower you are constitute , as shorter varieties can be planted later and marvelous varieties will need to be started a week or two in the first place . Sunflowers should be start up indoors :
commence helianthus from seed is a relatively prosperous process that can be done both indoors and outside . To begin , you will need to purchase helianthus seeds from a garden center or online . When take seed , make certain to search for the desire mixed bag you need to acquire . Once you have your seeds , you could choose to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last frost particular date for your region .
fill up a seed tray with starter filth and moisten it with a spray bottle . range your seed on top of the soil , cover them light with starter grease , and irrigate them mildly . Place the tray in a warm and sunny spot , and keep the grime moist . Once your plants have grow 2 - 3 sets of leave , you may transplant them outside .
Planting sunflowers outside in Washington
helianthus seeded player should be implant outside after the last ordinary frost date for your area . Planting helianthus seeds too early can result in poor sprouting and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a hard freeze .
When embed out of doors , check that the area has plenty of fair weather and well - draining soil . grasp a cakehole that is twice the size of the root lump , and occupy the hole with compost or of age manure . localize the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil , then piss profoundly .
For the oddment of the helianthus ’s life history , ensure to keep the grease moist and fertilize regularly . With proper caution , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no time !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Washington
When sunflower seeds are quick to be harvested , the back of the flower point will be wry and start to turn brown . The individual semen will be wry and firm . The green shuck surrounding the source will have sour yellow or white and begin to dry out out . To mark if the seed are ready to be harvest , lightly pinch the seed forefront between your pollex and index finger . If the husk discontinue open well , the seeds are ready to harvest .
Harvesting sunflower seminal fluid is soft . Cut the flower head off the radical and distribute it out on a clean-living surface . To remove the seed , use your hands to rub the flower head and release the seed . Collect the seeds in a large bowl or container . Once the seeds are harvested , store them in an airtight container in a cool , dry place . Make certain the container is well sealed to keep the seeds from going forged . helianthus seeds can last for up to a year if store in good order .
Sunflower seeds are delicious and nutritious snack food . They can be eaten raw , salute , or sprouted . helianthus ejaculate are also used in salads , cereals , granola , and energy ginmill . They are laden with essential vitamins and mineral like Vitamin E , phosphorus , magnesium , and Zn . Sunflower seeded player can also be used to make sunflower seed butter , which is a great alternative to peanut butter .
In addition to being a sizeable bite , helianthus seeds are also used to make birdseed . you may leave your sunflowers entire outside well after the prime have died to give your local skirt a tasty snack !
