Growing sunflowers in West Virginia is a great experience. The sunny and warm climate is perfect for these bright and cheery flowers to thrive. The soil in the state is ideal for sunflower growth, and the state’s long growing season gives sunflower growers plenty of time to cultivate and enjoy their blooms.
Not only do sunflowers bring a splash of color and beauty to any landscape, but they also attract pollinators that are vital for the health of the environment. With plentiful resources, a supportive climate, and a thriving ecosystem, West Virginia is the perfect place to grow sunflowers.
West Virginia’s climate and growing zones
Zone 5 is characterized by cold winters and short growing seasons. The average annual temperature range is between -10 and 10 degrees Celsius (14-50 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are generally short and cool with temperatures rarely rising above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Spring and fall are both brief periods and can be unpredictable with sudden changes in temperature.
Zone 6 has a slightly longer growing season than Zone 5 and can experience temperatures up to 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are longer and warmer than Zone 5, but still relatively cool compared to other parts of the United States.
Zone 7 has the longest growing season of all the zones in West Virginia, and the highest temperatures. The average annual temperature range is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius (50-68 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are longer and hotter than Zones 5 and 6 and can reach temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). Fall and spring are typically mild, but can still experience sudden changes in temperature.
Growing sunflowers in West Virginia
Growing sunflowers in West Virginia can be a bit of a challenge due to the state’s cold climate. In the early spring and late fall, temperatures can dip below freezing, making it difficult for sunflowers to get the direct sunlight needed for proper growth. Additionally, the short growing season in West Virginia can make it difficult to get a good yield of sunflowers.
However, warmer areas of the state are ideal for growing sunflowers. In these areas, sunflowers can take advantage of the ample sunlight and longer growing seasons. The soil in these areas is typically more fertile and well-drained, allowing sunflowers to get the nutrients they need to thrive. Additionally, the humidity in these areas is usually lower than in other parts of the state, making it easier for sunflowers to get the right amount of water without getting too much.
When growing sunflowers in West Virginia, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather and make sure to plant the seeds at the right time. Additionally, it’s important to give the sunflowers enough space to grow, as overcrowding can lead to stunted growth. Finally, it’s important to make sure the sunflowers get enough water, as the soil in West Virginia can be very dry.
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 West Virginia
Sunflower seeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your final frost date. In West Virginia, the final frost dates are:
- Zone 5: Around April 30th
- Zone 6: Around April 21
- zone 7: Around April 3
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 5: Around April 1st
- Zone 6: Around March 24th
- zone 7: Around March 6th
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 West Virginia
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 West Virginia
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!