Growing sunflowers in Alaska may seem like an unlikely endeavor , but it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience . Sunflowers are a beautiful and hardy efflorescence variety that thrives even in the cold climate of Alaska .
Not only will you enjoy the beauty of these vivacious flowers in your garden , but you could also reap the benefits of their eatable cum and use them for a change of culinary and workmanship projects . With the right charge , you may easily develop sunflowers in Alaska and enjoy them for years to come .
Alaska’s climate and growing zones
Zone 1a , which is the cold geographical zone in the state , includes theatrical role of the extreme northern component of Alaska , include Barrow , Kotzebue , and Nome . This zone experiences long , very cold winters and scant , cool summers , with temperatures seldom exceeding 65 degrees Fahrenheit . Plants are limited in this zona , but some coinage of evergreens , little shrubs , and skunk can survive in this harsh environment .
geographical zone 2a is slimly warmer than zona 1a , and includes division of Fairbanks and the Interior . This zone has cold-blooded winters and short summers , with temperatures rarely exceeding 70 degree Fahrenheit . This geographical zone is substantially suited for works life , and a number of small shrubs , wildflowers , grasses , and berry bushes can be found here .
Zone 3a is the warm of the three northern zones , and admit parts of the Panhandle and the far northerly region of the Interior . This zona has a milder climate with cold winters and fond summer , with temperature rarely exceeding 75 degrees Fahrenheit . A wide variety of flora can be find in this zone , including Tree , shrubs , and wildflowers .
Zone 4a is found in the Interior of the country , and has a continental mood with cold wintertime and lovesome summers . temperature seldom go past 80 degrees Fahrenheit , and a wide variety of plant life can be found here .
Growing zones 5a through 8b
Zone 5a is plant in Southcentral Alaska , and has a mild climate with insensate winters and lovesome summers . Temperatures rarely go past 85 degree Fahrenheit , and a all-encompassing diversity of plants can be found here .
geographical zone 6a is found in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska , and has a meek marine climate with coolheaded summertime and balmy winters . Temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit , and a wide smorgasbord of plant life can be find here .
Zone 7a is found in the southern part of Southeast Alaska , and has a modest nautical mood with nerveless summer and mild winters . Temperatures rarely exceed 95 arcdegree Fahrenheit , and a wide multifariousness of industrial plant , include tree , shrub , and wildflowers , can be regain here .
Zone 8b is the warmest of the climate zones in Alaska , and includes parts of the Panhandle and the far southerly parts of the Interior . This zone has a balmy nautical climate with warm summers and mild winters , with temperature seldom exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit . A wide variety of plants , include Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , shrubs , and wildflower , can be find here .
Growing sunflowers in Alaska
Growing helianthus in Alaska can be a challenge due to the cold mood , short develop season , and the fact that sunflowers prefer strong climate with lots of sunshine . Sunflowers boom in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit , making Alaska an unconvincing home to grow them .
However , with some preparedness and upkeep , it is possible to get sunflowers in Alaska . Before planting , it is important to choose a variety of sunflowers that are well - suited to the colder climate . Short - season sunflowers , such as Dwarf Sunspot , will come better than foresighted - season variety .
In addition to choosing the right variety , it is important to cook the soil for sunflowers . Sunflowers prefer soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and require well - drain soil . It is also significant to add together compost to the soil to ply extra nutrients and better drain .
When growing sunflowers in Alaska , it is important to start them indoors several calendar week before the last expected frost . Sunflower seeds should be plant in individual pots and kept in a warm location until it is safe to transplant them outside . Once the risk of rime has travel by , the seedling can be transplanted into the garden .
helianthus will need plenty of sunniness in ordination to boom in Alaska . If possible , attempt to plant them in a sunny localisation . If the sunflowers do n’t pick up at least six hr of direct sunshine per day , they may not flower or acquire seed .
Some of my best-loved varieties of sunflower include :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Alaska
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 calendar week before your final freeze day of the month . In Alaska , the net frost dates are :
You should also consider the sizing of the variety of sunflower you are planting , as brusk varieties can be implant later and taller varieties will require to be started a week or two earlier . Sunflowers should be started indoors :
start sunflowers from seed is a relatively easy process that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To begin , you will necessitate to purchase sunflower seeds from a garden center or online . When selecting source , ensure to bet for the desired variety you desire to grow . Once you have your seeds , you may opt to begin them indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date for your region .
Fill a seed tray with starter land and moisten it with a atomizer bottle . Place your seeded player on top of the soil , cross them light with starter soil , and water them softly . post the tray in a warm and cheery touch , and keep the territory moist . Once your plants have grown 2 - 3 sets of leaves , you may transplant them out of doors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Alaska
Sunflower seed should be planted out of doors after the last average frost engagement for your area . Planting sunflower seed too early can result in poor sprouting and seedling growth and potentially end if there ’s a surd halt .
When planting outdoors , make indisputable the area has plenty of sunshine and well - draining ground . Dig a kettle of fish that is double the size of the root ballock , and fill the hole with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with grunge , then weewee deep .
For the remainder of the sunflower ’s life , check that to keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly . With right care , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no metre !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Alaska
When sunflower seeds are quick to be harvested , the back of the flower caput will be wry and start to turn chocolate-brown . The individual seed will be dry and firm . The unripe husks hem in the seed will have change state yellow or ashen and get to dry out . To see if the seeds are ready to be harvested , lightly pinch the seed caput between your thumb and forefinger . If the husks break unfastened easily , the seeds are ready to harvest .
harvest sunflower seeds is easy . trim the flower head off the theme and spread it out on a unclouded aerofoil . To hit the semen , use your hands to fret the flower head and release the ejaculate . gather the seed in a large bowling ball or container . Once the seeds are harvest , store them in an airtight container in a cool , dry office . Make certain the container is well seal to keep the seed from go bad . Sunflower seeds can last for up to a year if stored decently .
Sunflower seed are delicious and nutrient snack food . They can be eaten raw , toasted , or sprouted . Sunflower seeds are also used in salad , grain , granola , and vim bars . They are loaded with essential vitamin and minerals like Vitamin E , phosphorus , magnesium , and atomic number 30 . Sunflower seeds can also be used to make helianthus source butter , which is a great option to peanut butter .
In summation to being a sound snack , helianthus seeds are also used to make bird feed . you may leave your sunflower entire outside well after the flowers have die to give your local bird a tasty snack !
