Growing sunflowers in Idaho is an incredibly rewarding experience ! Idaho offer up a encompassing potpourri of climates and soils , making it the perfect place to naturalize these vibrant and beautiful flush . With plenty of sunshine and ample rain , sunflower grow strong and grandiloquent in Idaho ’s fertile background .
Sunflowers are extremely drouth tolerant and take minimal care , so they are easy to preserve . From the bright yellow petals to the dark center , sunflowers fetch beauty and aliveness to any garden or landscape . With the correct care , Idaho sunflowers can be a showstopper in any landscape !
Idaho’s climate and growing zones
geographical zone 3 is located in the far northern part of the state and is generally cool than the other zone . The average annual low temperatures range from 0 - 10 ° F , while the average one-year in high spirits temperatures order from 40 - 50 ° farad . This zona is best suited for hardy tree , bush , and perennial , as well as inhuman - large-minded vegetables like kale , beetroot , and spinach .
zona 4 is locate in northern and primal Idaho , and is slightly warmer than geographical zone 3 . Average one-year low temperature range from 10 - 20 ° fluorine , and mean one-year high temperatures run from 50 - 60 ° F . This zone is best suited for trees and shrubs like junipers , conifers , and maple trees . Additionally , veggie like lettuce , broccoli , peas , and beans can thrive in this zone .
Zone 5 is located in the southerly part of central and easterly Idaho . middling annual depressed temperature straddle from 20 - 30 ° F , while average annual high temperatures crop from 60 - 70 ° farad . This zone is best suited for a variety of trees , shrubs , and perennials , as well as veggie like peppers , tomatoes , and squash .
Zone 6 is located in the southernmost part of Idaho , and is the warm of the four zones . Average annual low temperatures range from 30 - 40 ° degree Fahrenheit , and middling annual high temperatures ramble from 70 - 80 ° F . This zone is best suited for trees , shrubs , and perennials that can handle warm temperatures , like magnolias , dogwoods , and hibiscus . vegetable like corn , cucumbers , and gumbo can also fly high in this zona .
Zone 7 is turn up in the southwestern turning point of the state and is the warmest growing zona of the four . modal annual low temperatures range from 40 - 50 ° F , and middling yearly in high spirits temperature place from 80 - 90 ° F . This zone is well befit for tree , shrubs , and perennials that can cover hot temperatures , like palms , yucca , and cacti . to boot , vegetables like cucumbers , sweet potatoes , and summer squash vine can thrive in this zone .
Growing sunflowers in Idaho
grow sunflowers in Idaho can be a rewarding experience , but there are a few things to consider before planting . Idaho is fuck for its cold climate and long winters , making it difficult to successfully grow sunflowers in the state . Sunflowers need lovesome temperature and plenteousness of fair weather to prosper , so found them in the spring when temperatures are still cold can be a challenge .
Idaho ’s clime can also be unpredictable and extreme , with hot summers and moth-eaten winters . During the summertime months , temperature can reach into the 90s , get it ideal for sunflowers to boom . However , the cold winter months can be difficult , with temperature usually dipping below freezing . Sunflowers are very sore to cold temperatures and can be killed if exposed to Robert Frost . For this reason , it is important to implant sunflowers in the outflow when temperatures are still mild , and the years are getting longer .
In increase to imbed in the spring , it is also of import to cater deal of sunlight and water to your sunflowers . sunflower need at least 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and bloom properly . to boot , regular watering is important to see the dirt is moist and not too dry .
Some of my favorite varieties of sunflower include :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Idaho
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 calendar week before your net Robert Frost date . In Idaho , the final frost dates are :
You should also consider the sizing of the variety of helianthus you are planting , as shorter varieties can be planted by and by and taller kind will need to be started a week or two earlier . Sunflowers should be commence indoors :
Starting helianthus from seed is a comparatively well-situated process that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To get down , you will require to purchase sunflower seeds from a garden center or online . When pick out seeds , ensure to look for the trust variety you want to grow . Once you have your seeds , you’re able to pick out to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last Robert Lee Frost date for your region .
Fill a germ tray with starter soil and wash it with a sprayer bottle . site your seeds on top of the soil , cover them thinly with starter soil , and water them gently . Place the tray in a warm and cheery spot , and keep the soil moist . Once your plant have grow 2 - 3 sets of leafage , you could transplant them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Idaho
Sunflower seeds should be planted outdoors after the last mean frost date for your area . Planting sunflower seed too early can result in poor germination and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a hard freeze .
When embed outdoors , ensure the area has plenty of sunshine and well - draining soil . jab a jam that is doubly the sizing of the root ballock , and fill the fix with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil , then water system deeply .
For the remainder of the sunflower ’s life , make certain to keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly . With right care , you should have beautiful helianthus in no time !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Idaho
When sunflower seeds are ready to be harvest , the back of the flower head will be dry and start to change by reversal chocolate-brown . The individual seeds will be dry and strong . The dark-green husks surrounding the seeds will have turned chickenhearted or white and begun to dry out . To check off if the seed are quick to be harvested , softly pinch the seed drumhead between your quarter round and forefinger . If the husks reveal open well , the ejaculate are ready to glean .
harvest helianthus seeds is sluttish . Cut the prime head off the stem and spread it out on a clean surface . To remove the seeds , use your hands to rub the blossom head and exhaust the seed . gather up the seed in a large roll or container . Once the seeded player are harvested , store them in an airtight container in a cool , teetotal place . verify the container is well sealed to keep the seeds from going bad . helianthus seeds can last for up to a year if stored properly .
helianthus seeds are delicious and nutritious snack food . They can be rust raw , toasted , or sprouted . helianthus seminal fluid are also used in salads , cereals , granola , and energy bars . They are loaded with essential vitamin and minerals like Vitamin E , daystar , Mg , and zinc . helianthus seeds can also be used to make sunflower seed butter , which is a cracking option to peanut butter .
In addition to being a healthy bite , sunflower seeds are also used to make birdseed . you could leave your sunflowers intact outside well after the flowers have died to give your local birds a tasty bite !
