grow helianthus in Kentucky can be a great way to brighten up your garden , with the contribute bonus of provide a great source of solid food for both you and the local wildlife . helianthus are an easy - to - grow plant life that can prosper in the warm and sunny climate of Kentucky , and their shiny yellow petal are sure to add a cheerful touch to any garden .
Not only are helianthus beautiful , but they also offer a bounty of nourishing cum that can be revel in a potpourri of dish . Additionally , they provide a enceinte food author for local birds and insects , making them a great addition to any garden .
Kentucky’s climate and growing zones
Kentucky ’s mood is broadly classified as humid subtropical . The state know four distinct season with cool temperatures in the winter and hot and humid conditions in the summer . Growing zone 6 and 7 are generally locate in the primal and westerly parts of the land , where the climate is more temperate .
Zone 6 experiences average wintertime temperature of -5 to 10 point Fahrenheit and average summer temperatures of 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit . This geographical zone experience temperate winter snowfall and a longer growing time of year than Zone 7 .
Zone 7 is located in the more mountainous regions of the state and experiences much colder winters than Zone 6 . Average wintertime temperatures range from -15 to 10 degree Fahrenheit and summer temperatures from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit . This zone experiences much more snowfall in the winter and a shorter growing time of year than Zone 6 .
Overall , both Zones 6 and 7 offer a temperate climate that permit for a multifariousness of crops to be grown . In Zone 6 , nurseryman can produce vegetables such as tomatoes , capsicum , squash , cucumber , and melons . In Zone 7 , gardeners can successfully grow the same veggie as well as origin crops such as carrots and white potato .
Growing sunflowers in Kentucky
get sunflowers in Kentucky can be a rewarding experience for gardener . The State Department have a humid subtropical climate , with fond summers and mild winters . The growing time of year for sunflower in Kentucky typically campaign from late spring to early fall . Sunflowers thrive in gay locations with well - drained grime and plenty of wet .
Sunflowers command at least six time of day of direct sunlight each day and need some protection from strong tip . In colder clime , it is important to allow extra protection and insulation for the plants . Mulching around the fundament of the sunflower and engraft in a sheltered site , such as near a wall or a fencing , can serve protect the plants from unexpected frost .
In Kentucky , there are some challenge to produce sunflowers , such as the potential for fungous diseases and dirt ball infestations . However , with right caution and attention , sunflowers can be grow successfully in Kentucky . Gardeners should choose disease - resistant mixture and use good garden hygiene , such as take away rubble and weeds from around the plant life .
Some of my best-loved varieties of helianthus admit :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Kentucky
Sunflowerseeds should be take up indoors 4 week before your final frost engagement . In Kentucky , the final frost dates are :
You should also consider the size of the variety of helianthus you are plant , as shorter variety can be plant after and magniloquent varieties will need to be start a week or two originally . Sunflowers should be started indoors :
start up sunflowers from seed is a relatively easygoing process that can be done both indoors and alfresco . To begin , you will need to purchase sunflower seeds from a garden substance or online . When selecting seeds , ensure to look for the desired variety you want to turn . Once you have your semen , you’re able to take to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last Robert Lee Frost escort for your neighborhood .
Fill a seed tray with starter soil and moisten it with a nebulizer nursing bottle . target your seed on top of the grunge , cover them lightly with starter dirt , and water them gently . station the tray in a warm and gay spot , and keep the soil moist . Once your plants have originate 2 - 3 set of parting , you could transfer them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Kentucky
Sunflower seeds should be planted outside after the last average icing escort for your area . Planting helianthus seeds too too soon can ensue in poor germination and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a gruelling freeze .
When imbed outdoors , make certain the area has mickle of fair weather and well - draining soil . Dig a hole that is doubly the size of the ascendent orchis , and fill the hole with compost or cured manure . come in the seedling in the hole and backfill it with soil , then water deeply .
For the remainder of the sunflower ’s sprightliness , verify to keep the soil moist and inseminate on a regular basis . With proper tutelage , you should have beautiful sunflower in no sentence !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Kentucky
When sunflower seed are quick to be reap , the back of the flower forefront will be dry and start to turn brownish . The individual source will be teetotal and firm . The green husks surrounding the source will have turned yellow or white and begun to dry out . To confirm whether the seeds are ready to be harvest , lightly pinch the seed head between your quarter round and forefinger . If the husks separate assailable easy , the seeds are quick to harvest .
Harvesting sunflower seminal fluid is wanton . Cut the flower lead off the stem and spread it out on a blank surface . To remove the seeds , use your paw to rub the peak forefront and release the source . roll up the source in a large bowl or container . Once the germ are harvested , store them in an airtight container in a coolheaded , ironic post . check that the container is well varnish to keep the seeds from going bad . Sunflower seed can last for up to a year if stored properly .
helianthus seeds are delicious and alimental snack food . They can be eat on in the buff , crispen , or spud . helianthus source are also used in salad , cereal , granola , and energy prevention . They are lade with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E , phosphorus , Mg , and atomic number 30 . helianthus seed can also be used to make helianthus seed butter , which is a great alternative to peanut butter .
In addition to being a level-headed bite , sunflower seeds are also used to make bird feed . you’re able to go away your sunflowers intact outdoors well after the flowers have die to give your local skirt a tasty snack !
