How long until sunflowers bloom after planting?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Sunflower flowering times can vary from 50 to 120 days depending on the type: quick-growing sunflowers, such as the ‘Sunrich Gold' have a flowering time of 50 days, whereas ‘Russian Giants' are 120 days from seed to flower. Our client has sunflowers blooming in her garden from June to October, by planting every 14 days for both early and late varieties.
Environmental Influences
- Soil temp: 55°F (13°C) minimum for germination
- Sunlight: <6 hours delays flowering
- Water stress: Drought stalls bud formation
Cultural Practices
- Fertilizer: High phosphorus boosts blooms
- Spacing: Crowding delays maturity
- Deadheading: Encourages reblooming in some types
Lengthen the blooming season of your sunflowers through succession planting. Combine 60-day ‘Autumn Beauty' seedlings with 100-day ‘Mammoth Grey' seedlings and sow a batch every two weeks. A neighbor's staggered schedule produced a color display for an amazing 18 weekends. Mark a calendar with planting dates and specific breed timelines, keeping us all on track.
Common Issues
- Pests: Aphids drain plant energy
- Overcrowding: Thin seedlings early
- Nutrient lack: Test soil pre-planting
Accelerating Growth
- Row covers: Boost soil heat retention
- Foliar spray: Apply seaweed extract weekly
- Pinch buds: Force earlier flowering
In dimly lit situations, augment with grow lights for 14 hours a day. In a study conducted at Colorado State University, it was shown that grow lights decreased the bloom time of 'Teddy Bear' by 10 days. Rotate the pots if they are leaning as being located in a low-lit situation may cause uneven growth.
Read the full article: How to Plant Sunflowers: Expert Guide for Vibrant Blooms
