Sunflowers in pots: tips for a long-lasting blossom
Sunflowers in pots should bloom as long as possible. However, they do so only in optimal conditions and with proper sunflower care.
Sunflowers (Helianthus) let the summer sun rise with their large flowers even on overcast days. You do not even need your own garden to enjoy these ever-friendly sunflowers. Smaller sunflower species even offer the possibility of being cultivated in pots, which originated in North America. However, a sunflower in a pot needs a lot of care to thrive and spread good cheer with its flowers for as long as possible.
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Buying sunflowers in a pot: what to consider
When buying a sunflower, it is especially important to pay attention to the right variety. Therefore, it is recommended to buy a variety that remains small for growing in pots. After all, a metre-high giant does not feel comfortable in a pot and does will not fit even into a tall, old apartment. If the sunflowers bought in pots are to be planted out in the garden, it is advisable to choose a hardy variety. Here you will find suitable sunflower species and varieties for pot culture or garden. Otherwise, you should pay attention to the appearance of the plant upon purchase.
If possible, take a close look at the sunflowers before you buy them. Particular attention should be paid to the following:
- Are the leaves of the plant yellowish or brown?
- Are the roots in water or is the substrate completely dry?
- Are all the buds of the plant already in full bloom?
- Are there any pests on the plant?
If you can answer no to all of these questions, you can confidently put the sunflower in your shopping trolley.
Sunflowers in pots: the right location
Sunflowers need their beloved sun even in a pot as a houseplant. If you separate the plant-astronomical team, the sunflower quickly dies. Therefore, you should reserve a bright and sunny windowsill place without shade for it. It also tolerates full sun very well. However, do not let the plant hit the heated window glass at noon.
Properly water and fertilise potted sunflowers
Originally, giving a sunflower as a gift meant that the person receiving the gift was too demanding for you. Sunflower owes this importance to its immense consumption of water and nutrients. Watering is best done daily – the soil in the pot should never dry out. To prevent waterlogging, it is best to lay a drainage layer and use a pot with a drainage hole when planting sunflowers. Fertilise with a nitrogenous fertiliser or compost during the growth phase. Do your soil and the environment some good by using a platn-based nitrogenous fertiliser like our Plantura Flower Food. In combination with the strong roots, this improves soil life and loosens the soil for subsequent plants. Perennial varieties are not fertilised from September.
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Sunflowers in a pot: cut withered flowers?
Faded flower heads do not need to be removed because they are still ripening on the plant. If you want to dry the flower head in another place, it should be removed before the flower has fully opened.
You can learn more about harvesting the vitamin-rich seeds and about cultivation on balconies or in flower beds in our overview article on Sunflowers.
