Growing sunflowers in Connecticut can be a slap-up experience for everyone . Not only are they beautiful and colorful , but with the right conditions and care , they can also be a great addition to any garden . Sunflowers are easy to grow , necessitate minimum maintenance , and can expand in the warm summers and soft winters of Connecticut . They are also drought broad , so they need little to no supplemental water .
With their large and vivacious blooms , sunflowers bring smasher and joyfulness to the landscape and can be a great source of food for boo and other wildlife . Whether you ’re a founding father or an experient nurseryman , uprise helianthus in Connecticut can be a rewarding and pleasurable experience .
Connecticut’s climate and growing zones
Connecticut is site in the Northeastern United States and fall within USDA growing zona 5 - 7 . Connecticut ’s climate is generally mild with humid summers and cold , snowy winter .
In zone 5 , the average annual minimum temperature is between -10 to -20 degree Fahrenheit . Winter temperature in this zona are cold , with casual snow and chicken feed storms . summertime are warm and humid , but temperatures rarely hit above 90 degree Fahrenheit .
Zone 6 is turn up in the southern portion of the state , with average annual minimal temperatures between -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit . This zona is characterized by stale winters and modest summers , with temperature rarely reaching above 90 degrees Fahrenheit .
zona 7 is place in the southwesterly portion of the state , and has the warm clime in the commonwealth . Average one-year minimal temperatures in this zone range between 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit . winter are mild and summertime are hot and humid , with temperatures often attain above 90 degrees Fahrenheit .
Growing sunflowers in Connecticut
Growing helianthus in Connecticut can be a rewarding and pleasurable experience . sunflower are light to mature and need picayune alimony once established . This makes them ideal for Connecticut gardener who often have to contend with cold , irregular weather . However , due to Connecticut ’s temperate climate , there are some challenges that gardeners must face while growing sunflowers .
In Connecticut , the raise time of year is short and the temperatures can be quite stale , especially during the wintertime month . Sunflowers are sore to ice and will not survive if temperatures drop too low . This intend that gardeners must be careful when planting sunflower and make trusted to establish them at the good time so as to avoid freeze harm . In improver , sunflowers need plenty of sunshine to expand , so location is important . Planting sunflowers in sunny , well - drained field is all important for achiever .
luckily , the fond , humid summer in Connecticut are ideal for originate sunflowers . helianthus thrive in these status and can reach out heights of up to 8 feet ! With the right upkeep and care , helianthus can produce an abundance of with child , vibrant blooms that will brighten up any garden .
Some of my favorite varieties of sunflower let in :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Connecticut
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your final icing particular date . In Connecticut , the last frost dates are :
You should also consider the size of the variety of sunflower you are planting , as shorter mixture can be plant after and taller varieties will need to be started a week or two to begin with . sunflower should be started indoors :
Starting sunflowers from seed is a relatively gentle outgrowth that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To begin , you will involve to purchase sunflower seed from a garden center or online . When selecting seeds , ensure to look for the desire variety you want to grow . Once you have your seeds , you’re able to choose to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date for your region .
take a seed tray with starter soil and wash it with a atomizer bottle . Place your seed on top of the soil , overlay them lightly with starter filth , and irrigate them lightly . Place the tray in a fond and gay spot , and keep the stain moist . Once your plants have grown 2 - 3 circle of leaves , you’re able to transfer them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Connecticut
Sunflower seeds should be planted outdoors after the last average freeze date for your sphere . Planting sunflower seeds too early can result in poor sprouting and seedling growth and potentially dying if there ’s a hard frost .
When planting outdoors , check that the area has mountain of sunshine and well - debilitate soil . Dig a cakehole that is twice the size of it of the root Lucille Ball , and meet the hole with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil , then water deep .
For the remainder of the sunflower ’s liveliness , ensure to keep the filth moist and fecundate regularly . With proper care , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no time !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Connecticut
When helianthus seeds are ready to be harvested , the back of the flower headland will be dry and start to turn chocolate-brown . The individual seeds will be dry and firm . The green husk surrounding the seeds will have turn yellow or white and begun to dry out out . To see if the seeds are ready to be glean , lightly pinch the seed head between your thumb and index finger . If the husks break open well , the seeds are ready to reap .
Harvesting sunflower come is promiscuous . Cut the flower head off the stem and circularise it out on a clean airfoil . To remove the seed , use your hands to rub the flower head teacher and release the cum . compile the seed in a large bowl or container . Once the germ are harvested , store them in an airtight container in a coolheaded , dry shoes . check that the container is well sealed to keep the seeds from going bad . Sunflower seed can last for up to a twelvemonth if stored in good order .
Sunflower seeds are toothsome and nutritious bite food . They can be eaten raw , toasted , or sprouted . Sunflower seed are also used in salads , cereal , granola , and energy bar . They are dilute with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E , phosphorus , Mg , and zinc . Sunflower seed can also be used to make sunflower seed butter , which is a bully alternative to peanut butter .
In addition to being a hefty snack , helianthus seeds are also used to make birdseed . you’re able to leave your sunflower entire outdoors well after the flowers have died to give your local doll a tasty collation !
