grow sunflowers in West Virginia is a great experience . The cheery and warm climate is perfect for these lustrous and gay flower to flourish . The dirt in the state is ideal for sunflower growth , and the state ’s long grow season gives sunflower grower plenty of time to naturalise and enjoy their blooms .
Not only do helianthus bring in a splash of color and beauty to any landscape , but they also draw pollinators that are vital for the health of the environment . With rich resources , a supportive clime , and a thriving ecosystem , West Virginia is the complete place to grow sunflower .
West Virginia’s climate and growing zones
Zone 5 is characterized by insensate winters and brusque growing season . The average yearly temperature range is between -10 and 10 degrees Celsius ( 14 - 50 degrees Fahrenheit ) . Summers are generally shortsighted and coolheaded with temperature seldom rising above 30 degrees Celsius ( 86 degrees Fahrenheit ) . bounce and nightfall are both brief catamenia and can be irregular with sudden changes in temperature .
zona 6 has a slightly longer grow time of year than Zone 5 and can feel temperatures up to 20 grade Celsius ( 68 degrees Fahrenheit ) . summertime are long and affectionate than Zone 5 , but still relatively nerveless liken to other part of the United States .
geographical zone 7 has the farseeing grow season of all the geographical zone in West Virginia , and the high temperature . The median yearly temperature range is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius ( 50 - 68 degrees Fahrenheit ) . Summers are longer and hotter than Zones 5 and 6 and can hand temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius ( 95 degrees Fahrenheit ) . Fall and spring are typically mild , but can still have sudden changes in temperature .
Growing sunflowers in West Virginia
Growing helianthus in West Virginia can be a bit of a challenge due to the state ’s insensate mood . In the early outflow and late dusk , temperatures can duck below freezing , making it hard for sunflowers to get the unmediated sunlight needed for proper growth . Additionally , the short growing season in West Virginia can make it difficult to get a good yield of helianthus .
However , warmer areas of the country are ideal for growing sunflowers . In these arena , sunflowers can take advantage of the ample sunlight and longer acquire seasons . The grease in these areas is typically more fertile and well - drained , allowing sunflowers to get the nutrients they need to thrive . to boot , the humidity in these areas is ordinarily lower than in other part of the commonwealth , piddle it easy for sunflower to get the correct amount of urine without getting too much .
When growing sunflower in West Virginia , it ’s crucial to keep an eye on the weather and make certain to institute the seeds at the good clip . to boot , it ’s of import to give the sunflowers enough quad to grow , as overcrowding can leave to stunted growth . Finally , it ’s important to check that the helianthus get enough piss , as the soil in West Virginia can be very dry .
Some of my favorite variety of sunflower admit :
When to start sunflowers indoors in West Virginia
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your final frost date . In West Virginia , the last rime date are :
You should also consider the size of it of the variety of sunflower you are planting , as shorter varieties can be plant afterwards and taller miscellanea will need to be started a workweek or two before . Sunflowers should be started indoors :
Starting sunflower from semen is a comparatively easy process that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To get down , you will need to purchase helianthus seeds from a garden center or online . When choose semen , ensure to wait for the desired variety you want to grow . Once you have your seeds , you’re able to prefer to come out them indoors 4 weeks before the last Robert Frost day of the month for your region .
Fill a seed tray with starter soil and moisten it with a spray bottleful . set your seeds on top of the soil , cover them thinly with starter ground , and irrigate them gently . Place the tray in a lovesome and sunny spot , and keep the soil moist . Once your plants have grow 2 - 3 sets of leaves , you could transplant them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in West Virginia
Sunflower germ should be planted outdoors after the last average freeze date for your arena . Planting sunflower sow too early can result in inadequate germination and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a hard freeze .
When planting outdoors , make certain the arena has plenty of sunshine and well - draining grunge . grok a hole that is doubly the size of the radical Lucille Ball , and replete the cakehole with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the kettle of fish and backfill with territory , then urine deeply .
For the remnant of the sunflower ’s life , check that to keep the soil moist and fecundate on a regular basis . With proper care , you should have beautiful helianthus in no sentence !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in West Virginia
When helianthus seed are ready to be harvested , the back of the prime head will be ironic and go to turn over chocolate-brown . The individual germ will be dry and firm . The green husks wall the seeds will have turned yellow or white and begun to dry out out . To watch if the seeds are quick to be harvested , lightly nip the ejaculate head between your pollex and forefinger . If the husks transgress open well , the seeds are ready to harvest .
Harvesting helianthus seed is easy . trim down the peak head off the stem and spread it out on a clean surface . To slay the seed , use your hands to rub the flower head and release the semen . roll up the seed in a large trough or container . Once the seed are glean , store them in an airtight container in a coolheaded , dry place . Make certain the container is well seal to keep the come from fit bad . Sunflower seeds can last for up to a year if stash away by rights .
Sunflower come are delicious and nutritious bite food . They can be eaten raw , toasted , or germinate . Sunflower ejaculate are also used in salads , cereals , granola , and DOE bars . They are loaded with indispensable vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E , phosphorus , magnesium , and zinc . helianthus seed can also be used to make sunflower seed butter , which is a great alternative to goober pea butter .
In improver to being a healthy snack , helianthus come are also used to make birdseed . you could depart your sunflowers intact outdoors well after the prime have died to give your local birds a tasty snack !
