Growing sunflower in Mississippi is a great way to add beauty and coloring material to any outdoor outer space . Sunflowers are a popular choice for gardeners in Mississippi because they are easygoing to grow , require minimal maintenance , and ply a stunning backdrop for any outside setting . With its red-hot and humid summers and mild winters , Mississippi is an ideal environs for many varieties of sunflowers .
Sunflowers establish in the saltation can be harvested in the dusk , providing a openhanded harvest of great , vibrant blooms that impart a touch modality of sunlight to any garden . Mississippi ’s mild climate puddle it easy to sustain sunflowers , so nurseryman of all ages and experience stratum can enjoy the mantrap of these cheerful flowers .
Mississippi’s climate and growing zones
The climate in Mississippi is generally humid subtropical with hot summer and mild winter . The spring up time of year in the state of matter typically go from April through October , with an median freeze - free period of at least 150 days . The mood and growing zones in Mississippi motley reckon on the region .
Zone 7 is located in the northmost part of the state , including the Jackson and Memphis areas . This region have red-hot summers , with temperatures average in the mid-80s , and meek winters , with temperatures average out in the mid-40s . Rainfall is abundant in this area , with an average of about 50 column inch per year . This region is suitable for develop a potpourri of vegetables and fruits , such as tomatoes , peppers , melons , and grape .
zona 8 is located in the central and southern parts of the state , including the Gulf Coast . This region is qualify by live and humid summers , with temperature averaging in the upper 80 , and meek winters , with temperatures averaging in the mid-50s . rain is abundant in this area , with an norm of about 60 in per year . This region is suited for develop a variety of veggie and fruits , such as tomatoes , peppers , melons , and grapes .
zona 9 is located in the southernmost part of the state , including the Gulf Coast . This region feel hot and humid summers , with temperatures averaging in the upper 80s , and meek winters , with temperatures averaging in the low 60s . Rainfall is abundant in this region , with an norm of about 70 column inch per twelvemonth . This region is suited for growing a variety of veggie and fruits , such as love apple , peppers , melons , and grapevine .
Growing sunflowers in Mississippi
sunflower are easy to grow flowers and thrive in warm climate , making Mississippi a great place to cultivate them . The average temperature in Mississippi is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit and the summer can be quite red-hot , seduce it the perfect environment for sunflowers . However , during the wintertime months , the temperatures can drop significantly , making it difficult to arise sunflower in inhuman climates .
If you live in a colder part of the State Department , it is good to choose a motley of helianthus that is more resistant to cold-blooded temperature . If you want to try out to grow sunflowers in cold-blooded climate , you could comprehend them with a light blanket or fabric during frigid night . It is also authoritative to keep the dirt moist and not let it dry out out , as this can damage the root of the sunflower and do them to kick the bucket .
In tender climates , sunflowers can be plant in the spring and can be look to flower in the summertime . Sunflowers need pot of sunshine , so it is in force to plant them in a sunny spot and make certain to water them on a regular basis . fertiliser can also be added to the dirt to aid the sunflowers farm and produce more peak .
Some of my favorite varieties of sunflower admit :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Mississippi
Sunflowerseeds should be commence indoors 4 weeks before your final rime date . In Mississippi , the final hoar particular date are :
You should also consider the size of the variety of helianthus you are planting , as shorter sort can be planted subsequently and magniloquent varieties will need to be started a calendar week or two in the first place . sunflower should be started indoors :
Starting sunflower from seed is a relatively prosperous summons that can be done both indoors and alfresco . To set about , you will postulate to purchase helianthus source from a garden center or online . When pick out seeds , verify to look for the desired variety you require to farm . Once you have your germ , you’re able to opt to jump them indoors 4 week before the last rime date for your region .
meet a seed tray with starter soil and moisten it with a spray bottle . Place your seeds on top of the land , hatch them lightly with starter ground , and irrigate them gently . Place the tray in a warm and sunny smear , and keep the soil moist . Once your plants have grown 2 - 3 set of leaves , you could transfer them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Mississippi
Sunflower seeds should be planted alfresco after the last median frost engagement for your region . Planting helianthus seeds too early can result in poor sprouting and seedling growth and potentially last if there ’s a hard freeze .
When plant out of doors , verify the domain has plenty of sun and well - draining grease . Dig a hole that is twice the sizing of the root ball , and fill the hole with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the pickle and backfill with territory , then body of water deeply .
For the remnant of the helianthus ’s life , check that to keep the dirt moist and fertilize regularly . With right caution , you should have beautiful sunflower in no clip !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Mississippi
When sunflower cum are ready to be harvested , the back of the flower head will be dry and protrude to turn brownish . The single cum will be teetotal and strong . The green husks fence in the cum will have turned yellow or white and lead off to dry out . To see if the seed are ready to be harvested , lightly pinch the seed head between your thumb and index . If the shuck break open easily , the seed are quick to harvest .
Harvesting sunflower seeds is easy . reduce the blossom head off the stem and disperse it out on a clean surface . To remove the ejaculate , utilise your hands to scratch the flush headland and release the seeds . Collect the seeds in a large bowl or container . Once the seeds are harvested , store them in an airtight container in a cool , dry situation . Make indisputable the container is well sealed to keep the seeds from going bad . Sunflower seeds can last for up to a year if stash away properly .
Sunflower seminal fluid are pleasant-tasting and alimental snack food . They can be deplete raw , pledge , or sprout . helianthus ejaculate are also used in salad , cereal , granola , and energy taproom . They are adulterate with substantive vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E , phosphorus , magnesium , and zinc . helianthus seeds can also be used to make sunflower seed butter , which is a great alternative to goober butter .
In addition to being a healthy snack , helianthus ejaculate are also used to make bird feed . you’re able to leave your sunflowers integral outside well after the flowers have give-up the ghost to give your local birds a tasty snack !
