Congrats on Receiving Your Free Sunflower

Congratulations on receiving your free sunflower plant. To celebrate Reach Ability’s 50th anniversary, the InTuition Vocational Training group based at Kilcannon Garden Centre and Restaurant decided to grow just over 600 sunflower plants from seed, to be given away for free.

These plants were grown as part of a sustainable project, using pots and compost that were reused from our own nursery and a local strawberry grower. The seeds were planted on the 19th of June by the InTuition group and have been carefully nurtured into the plant you now have in your hand.

 

Sunflower Care Guide: Growing from a Small Plant

1. Choosing the Right Spot
Plant your sunflower in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained, fertile soil. Before planting, improve the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Avoid waterlogged areas, as sunflowers dislike soggy conditions.

2. Planting Your Young Sunflower
If you are starting with a small plant, harden it off for two to three weeks before planting it outside. Plant it at the same depth it was growing in the pot. In open ground, space plants about 45 cm apart. For container growing, use a 30 cm pot filled with rich compost.

3. Watering and Mulching
Young sunflowers need regular watering, especially during dry spells. For pots, you may need to water daily in hot weather. To help retain moisture in the soil, apply a 10 cm layer of mulch, keeping it clear of the base of the stem.

4. Feeding
Feed your sunflower every two weeks with a nitrogen-rich feed while it is growing. Once flower buds appear, switch to a potash-rich feed, such as tomato fertiliser, to encourage strong blooms.

5. Supporting Your Sunflower
As your plant grows taller, support it with a bamboo cane or garden stake. Start tying it loosely when the plant reaches about 30 to 45 cm in height. For very tall varieties, planting near a fence or wall can provide extra support.

6. Watch Out for Pests and Problems
Protect young plants from slugs and snails using barriers or traps. Powdery mildew and other fungal issues can occur, especially if the plant is overwatered or overcrowded.

7. Flowering and Seed Care
Once the flowers begin to fade, you can deadhead them to encourage more blooms or leave the seed heads in place for birds to enjoy. If you want to save seeds, allow the heads to dry on the plant, then cut and leave them to dry further indoors for about two weeks. Rub the seeds out and store them in a dry, cool place.

 

Care Checklist

• Water regularly, especially in hot or dry weather
• Feed every two weeks during growth; switch to potash-rich feed when flowering
• Stake from around 30–45 cm tall
• Mulch after planting and refresh seasonally
• Protect from pests like slugs and snails
• Deadhead or save seeds once flowers fade

 

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