Growing sunflowers in Wyoming is a rewarding experience! With stunning views of the Grand Tetons in the background, the bright and cheerful colors of the sunflowers add a special touch to the already beautiful landscape.
Sunflowers are incredibly easy to grow in Wyoming and thrive in the warm and sunny climate. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they are also a great source of food for birds and other wildlife. You can also enjoy the benefits of harvesting the seeds for cooking or pressing for oil. With the right care, Wyoming sunflowers can be a great addition to your garden.
Wyoming’s climate and growing zones
Wyoming’s climate is generally dry and continental, with cold winters and warm summers. Growing zones 3 through 6 encompass most of the state, with some areas enjoying a longer growing season due to the higher altitudes and mountain ranges.
Zone 3 experiences cold winters with temperatures dropping as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit and hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone is suitable for growing hardy vegetables, berries, and some varieties of fruit trees.
Zone 4 experiences cold winters and hot summers, with temperatures ranging from -25 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone is suitable for growing cold-hardy vegetables, berries, and most varieties of fruit trees.
Zone 5 experiences slightly milder winters, with temperatures dropping as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit, and hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone is suitable for growing a wide variety of vegetables, berries, and fruit trees.
Zone 6 experiences mild winters, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and hot summers, with temperatures reaching up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone is suitable for growing warm-season vegetables, berries, and most varieties of fruit trees.
Growing sunflowers in Wyoming
Growing sunflowers in Wyoming can be a challenge due to the climate. Wyoming is known for its cold winters and hot summers, making it difficult for sunflower plants to survive harsh conditions. Sunflowers need plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures to thrive, and temperatures in Wyoming often drop below freezing in the winter.
In order to have a successful sunflower crop in Wyoming, gardeners must be mindful of the climate and choose the right varieties of sunflowers that are best suited for the environment. Sunflowers that are bred for cold climates will be more likely to survive the winter months. Planting the sunflowers in the spring when temperatures are warmer and the sun is out will give them the best chance of surviving the cold months.
Additionally, gardeners should make sure to provide their sunflowers with plenty of water. Sunflowers need a significant amount of water to grow and thrive, and in Wyoming, this can be difficult due to the low levels of precipitation. Regular watering will ensure that the sunflowers have all the moisture they need, and the soil should be kept moist throughout the growing season.
The hot summers in Wyoming can be ideal for growing sunflowers. Sunflowers thrive in warm weather and will produce larger and more vibrant blooms in the summer months. Gardeners should take advantage of the warm weather and plant their sunflowers in early summer to ensure they have plenty of time to mature before the temperatures drop.
Some of my favorite varieties of sunflower include:
- Mammoth Grey Stripe Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 75-100 days to maturity
- Teddy Bear Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 60-90 days to maturity
- Red Sun (Helianthus annuus) – 65-95 days to maturity
- Autumn Beauty Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 75-90 days to maturity
- Lemon Queen Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 75-95 days to maturity
- Velvet Queen Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 90-110 days to maturity
- Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 60-90 days to maturity
- Giant Sungold Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 85-110 days to maturity
- Evening Sun Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 75-95 days to maturity
- Sundance Kid Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – 75-95 days to maturity
When to start sunflowers indoors in Wyoming
Sunflower seeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your final frost date. In Wyoming, the final frost dates are:
- Zone 3: Around May 15th
- Zone 4: Around May 12th
- Zone 5: Around April 30th
- Zone 6: Around April 21
You should also consider the size of the variety of sunflower you are planting, as shorter varieties can be planted later and taller varieties will need to be started a week or two earlier. Sunflowers should be started indoors:
Starting sunflowers from seed is a relatively easy process that can be done both indoors and outdoors. To begin, you will need to purchase sunflower seeds from a garden center or online. When selecting seeds, make sure to look for the desired variety you want to grow. Once you have your seeds, you can choose to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date for your region.
Fill a seed tray with starter soil and moisten it with a spray bottle. Place your seeds on top of the soil, cover them lightly with starter soil, and water them gently. Place the tray in a warm and sunny spot, and keep the soil moist. Once your plants have grown 2-3 sets of leaves, you can transplant them outdoors.
Planting sunflowers outside in Wyoming
Sunflower seeds should be planted outdoors after the last average frost date for your area. Planting sunflower seeds too early can result in poor germination and seedling growth and potentially death if there’s a hard freeze.
When planting outdoors, make sure the area has plenty of sunshine and well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball, and fill the hole with compost or aged manure. Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil, then water deeply.
For the remainder of the sunflower’s life, make sure to keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly. With proper care, you should have beautiful sunflowers in no time!
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Wyoming
When sunflower seeds are ready to be harvested, the back of the flower head will be dry and start to turn brown. The individual seeds will be dry and firm. The green husks surrounding the seeds will have turned yellow or white and begun to dry out. To check if the seeds are ready to be harvested, lightly pinch the seed head between your thumb and forefinger. If the husks break open easily, the seeds are ready to harvest.
Harvesting sunflower seeds is easy. Cut the flower head off the stem and spread it out on a clean surface. To remove the seeds, use your hands to rub the flower head 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 place. Make sure the container is well sealed to keep the seeds from going bad. Sunflower seeds can last for up to a year if stored properly.
Sunflower seeds are delicious and nutritious snack food. They can be eaten raw, toasted, or sprouted. Sunflower seeds are also used in salads, cereals, granola, and energy bars. They are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. Sunflower seeds can also be used to make sunflower seed butter, which is a great alternative to peanut butter.
In addition to being a healthy snack, sunflower seeds are also used to make birdseed. You can leave your sunflowers intact outside well after the flowers have died to give your local birds a tasty snack!