Sunny side-up! How to plant sunflowers with success

Is there a happier sight than a field of sunflowers with their heads each pointed up and facing east. It’s a wonder you can replicate at home.

Once the sunflower heads open, they stop moving and all face east. Picture: Todd Trapani

Sunflowers are the happiest of blooms. They also have edible petals and seeds. Both the common and botanical name (Helianthus annuus) reference the sun they resemble, but they also track the sun. Young plants steadily turn to follow the sun each day from east to west, then re-set themselves overnight, ready for the next day. It’s called heliotropism. Once the flower heads open, they stop moving and all face east – that’s why fields look so spectacular. Each flower is a complex structure of an outer ring of ray florets surrounding a central disk of thousands of tiny, fertile florets. These florets, and later the seeds, are arranged in clockwise and anticlockwise spirals that (mostly) follow the mathematical Fibonacci sequence. Sunflowers are summer annuals and it’s not too late to plant seeds now.

Sow seeds into fertile soil in a sunny spot where you will see the east-facing blooms. Keep moist; they should germinate in 8-14 days. Supply plenty of fertiliser and water. If you want the seeds for eating or to plant next year, cover the heads with a fine mesh bag. When they start to die, cut with a stem “handle” and store upside down in a cool spot until the seeds can be tapped out.

Colour Wheels

Keith White of Copsley Ornamentals has been breeding sunflowers for 20 years. His FleuroSun series includes new colours like peach and lilac, and pollen-free sunflowers that don’t trigger allergic reactions.

Compact Summer Spray.

Mauve Spray.

Being infertile, they don’t produce seeds, but the blooms last longer and contain nectar for bees. Buy seeds at copsely-ornamentals.com.au

Monarch.

Lilac Spray.

Q&A

Would seaweed help to improve sandy soil in terms of moisture retention and nutrients?

Carolien Giele, Perth

Seaweed is a form of organic matter, which improves soil structure, biological activity and ability to hold water and nutrients. The salt content is only a problem in low rainfall areas. Depending on the species, seaweed has useful amounts of nutrients, plus plant growth hormones and alginates. Kelp has the most benefits; seagrass has few nutrients and doesn’t readily break down. Seek council permission before collecting beached seaweed.

I love to eat mulberries straight from the tree but discovered bats are feasting on them at night. Is there a health risk?

Carol Drew, by email

Fruit bats (aka flying foxes) can carry Australian bat lyssavirus, spread through bites, scratches and saliva but not droppings or urine. Bats can spread Hendra virus to horses but don’t infect humans directly. Bat droppings can contain harmful bacteria, so you should thoroughly wash fruit before eating it. Otherwise use wildlife-safe netting over the tree while it’s in fruit to stop bats getting access.

What low ground cover could I plant between pavers in a high-traffic, low-sun area near the beach?

Cathy Samson, Kingscliff, NSW

Try white star creeper (Pratia pedunculata) or kidney weed (Dichondra repens). Both are native and form roots at every node, creating dense, flat mats that resist wear. Pratia has tiny leaves and pretty flowers, while kidney weed has small leaves and insignificant flowers. Dwarf mondo grass is very tough but can be expensive, as it’s slow growing. It’s a taller and more formal option.

Send your questions to: [e-mail] The best question for November wins a hamper of premium fertilisers and biological soil improvers from Neutrog worth $150.

Premium fertilisers and biological soil improvers from Neutrog.