Growing helianthus in Iowa is a great way to relish the beauty of the summertime time of year . Not only are sunflowers a beautiful plus to any garden or landscape , but they are also great for attracting bees , butterflies , and other beneficial worm . Iowa ’s warm summertime temperature , ample sunlight , and rich soil make it the consummate position to civilise these bright and sunny flowers .
helianthus plants are easy to acquire and involve minimal sustenance , making them a great pick for interfering gardeners . With a little piece of care and attention , sunflowers can supply you with a vibrant and cheerful addition to your garden that will last throughout the summer and into the fall .
Iowa’s climate and growing zones
rise Zone 4 cover the northernmost part of the country and has a shortsighted growing time of year . middling one-year temperature range from -20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit . The last frost escort in spring is typically around May 1st and the first rime date in fall is ordinarily around October 15th .
Growing Zone 5 encompasses the northern and fundamental parts of the province . Average temperatures range from -10 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit . The last icing date in bounce is typically around April 15th and the first frost date in decline is usually around October 30th .
Growing Zone 6 enshroud the southern and central parts of the country . Average temperatures roam from 0 to 50 degree Fahrenheit . The last frost date in bound is typically around April 1st and the first frost escort in fall is usually around November 15th .
Growing Zone 7 covers the southeastern part of the state . mean temperatures range from 10 to 60 degree Fahrenheit . The last frost date in bound is typically around March 15th and the first Robert Lee Frost date in fall is usually around November 30th .
Growing sunflowers in Iowa
In the spring , the soil in Iowa should be till and amend to a depth of at least 8 inches . plant in the early summertime will supply the best hazard for success . sunflower prefer direct , full sun and well - debilitate soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 . A good compost or fertiliser may be needed to meliorate the soil ’s fertility .
When the soil is tender enough , unremarkably in late May or former June , it is clock time to plant sunflower seeds . Plant in rows , space the seed 6 - 12 inches apart , and cover with 1 - 2 inches of grime . Water the seeded player in a well and keep them consistently dampish until they have bourgeon .
In Iowa , late summertime and early fall are the unspoilt times for harvest sunflowers . When the seminal fluid heads turn browned and the petals juiceless , the flower are ready for harvesting . Cut the stem turn about 6 inch from the school principal and attend the efflorescence upside down in a nerveless , wry situation . After a few weeks , the seeds will be quick to separate from the forefront .
Although Iowa winters can be moth-eaten and harsh , sunflowers are generally able to endure . If a heavy snow or suspend is expected , cover the plants with a thick stratum of mulch or straw to protect them . Otherwise , the sunflowers should be capable to live the winter and set forth turn again in the leap .
Some of my favorite varieties of sunflower include :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Iowa
Sunflowerseeds should be startle indoors 4 week before your final frost engagement . In Iowa , the final frost date are :
You should also consider the size of the variety of helianthus you are planting , as shorter varieties can be planted later and taller variety will want to be started a week or two earlier . helianthus should be started indoors :
Starting sunflowers from ejaculate is a relatively easy outgrowth that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To begin , you will need to purchase sunflower seed from a garden centerfield or online . When selecting seeds , check that to look for the desire miscellanea you want to grow . Once you have your cum , you may choose to set out them indoors 4 weeks before the last freeze date for your realm .
replete a seed tray with starter soil and moisten it with a nebulizer feeding bottle . Place your cum on top of the soil , cover them lightly with starter filth , and irrigate them gently . localize the tray in a warm and sunny speckle , and keep the soil moist . Once your plants have grown 2 - 3 sets of leave , you could transplant them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Iowa
helianthus seeds should be planted outdoors after the last average hoarfrost date for your area . Planting helianthus seeds too early can lead in pitiable germination and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a hard freeze .
When planting alfresco , ensure the area has plenty of sunshine and well - drain soil . compass a hole that is twice the size of the root ball , and sate the hole with compost or senior manure . lay the seedling in the cakehole and backfill with soil , then water deep .
For the difference of the helianthus ’s life , verify to keep the soil moist and fecundate regularly . With proper charge , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no time !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Iowa
When helianthus seeds are ready to be harvest , the back of the flower head will be dry and pop out to flex brown . The case-by-case seeds will be dry and firm . The green husks wall the seminal fluid will have turned yellow or whitened and start to dry out . To confirm whether the ejaculate are ready to be harvested , softly swipe the seed head between your ovolo and forefinger . If the husks break in open well , the come are ready to reap .
Harvesting sunflower seeds is easy . Cut the heyday head off the stem and spread it out on a clean surface . To remove the seeds , use your men to rub the flower psyche and release the seeds . Collect the seeds in a declamatory roll or container . Once the come are harvest , stack away them in an airtight container in a cool , wry place . Make certain the container is well sealed to keep the seeded player from going defective . helianthus seeds can last for up to a year if stash away properly .
Sunflower seeds are delicious and nutritious bite solid food . They can be eaten raw , toasted , or sprouted . helianthus seeded player are also used in salads , cereals , granola , and energy bars . They are loaded with all-important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E , phosphorus , magnesium , and Zn . Sunflower seeds can also be used to make sunflower seed butter , which is a peachy alternative to peanut butter .
In addition to being a levelheaded snack , sunflower seeds are also used to make birdseed . you’re able to leave your sunflower intact outside well after the flower have die to give your local birds a tasty snack !
