Growing sunflowers in Arkansas is a fantastic experience. Sunflowers are one of the best flowers to grow in this state due to the temperate climate and ample sunshine. They are easy to grow and can thrive in many different soil types, making them an ideal flower to plant in Arkansas.
Sunflowers can be planted in borders, in pots, or in large fields. They provide a beautiful, vibrant display of golden blooms in the summer months, and even in the fall they are an attractive addition to any garden.
Sunflowers are also known for attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help to ensure a healthy garden. Growing sunflowers in Arkansas is a great way to add a touch of color and life to any outdoor space.
Arkansas climate and growing zones
Arkansas has a humid, subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The state is divided into 6 distinct growing zones, ranging from Zone 6 to Zone 8.
Zone 6 is located in the northern part of the state and experiences cold winters with temperatures as low as -10°F. Summers are mild and temperatures can reach up to 90°F. This zone is optimal for cool-season plants such as pansies, poppies, and snapdragons.
Zone 7 is located in the central portion of Arkansas and experiences moderate temperatures in the winter months with lows reaching as low as -5°F. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 95°F. This zone is ideal for plants such as roses, hydrangeas, and black-eyed Susans.
Zone 8 is located in the southern part of the state and experiences mild winters with temperatures as low as 10°F. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures reaching up to 100°F. This zone is ideal for plants such as Knock Out roses, bougainvillea, and lantana.
Growing sunflowers in Arkansas
Sunflowers are beautiful and easy to grow in most climates. In Arkansas, the conditions are especially favorable for growing sunflowers. Arkansas has a warm and moist climate, with temperatures ranging from 80°F in the summer to 40°F in the winter. This kind of climate is ideal for sunflowers, as they need plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive.
In Arkansas, you should start your sunflowers indoors in late February or early March, then transplant them to the garden after the last frost. The seeds should be planted about an inch deep in moist soil and kept in a sunny location. Sunflowers should be watered regularly and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer. To keep the plants healthy, you should remove dead or diseased leaves and stems.
In cold climates, sunflowers can be difficult to grow as they are prone to freezing temperatures. However, in Arkansas, the mild climate makes it easier to grow sunflowers. The soil should be kept moist during the cold months, and the plants may need to be covered with a layer of mulch or hay to protect them from frost. When the weather starts to warm up in the spring, the plants should be moved to a sunn
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 Arkansas
Sunflower seeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your final frost date. In state, the final frost dates are:
- Zone 6: Around April 21
- zone 7: Around April 3
- zone 8: Around March 28th
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:
- Zone 6: Around March 24th
- zone 7: Around March 6th
- zone 8: Around February 27th
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 Arkansas
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 Arkansas
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!