How to grow sunflowers
Sunflower (scientific name: Portulaca grandiflora) is a drought-tolerant, light-loving perennial herb that is loved by gardening enthusiasts for its bright flowers and easy maintenance. The following is a method for cultivating sunflowers. It provides you with a detailed guide based on hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Basic information about sunflowers
| Properties | Description |
|---|---|
| scientific name | Portulaca grandiflora |
| Alias | Pine leaf peony, noon flower |
| Family | Portulacaceae Purslane |
| flowering period | summer to autumn |
| Lighting requirements | full sun |
| Drought tolerance | Strong |
2. Sunflower cultivation steps
1. Soil selection
Sunflowers do not have high soil requirements, but loose, well-drained, sandy soil is best. River sand or perlite can be added to ordinary garden soil to improve air permeability.
2. Lighting management
Sunflowers love light and need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Insufficient light will cause the plants to grow leggy and reduce flowering.
3. Watering method
Sunflowers are drought-tolerant, and watering should follow the principle of "see dry and wet". When the temperature is high in summer, the frequency of watering can be appropriately increased, but water accumulation should be avoided.
| season | Watering frequency |
|---|---|
| spring | 1-2 times a week |
| summer | 2-3 times a week |
| autumn | 1 time a week |
| winter | Once every 2 weeks |
4. Fertilizer tips
Sunflowers have low fertilizer requirements, and a thin compound fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growth period. Before flowering, additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be applied to promote flower bud differentiation.
5. Reproduction methods
Sunflowers can be propagated by sowing seeds or cuttings. Sowing should be done in spring, while cuttings can be done all year round, preferably in spring and autumn.
| Reproduction method | Operation steps |
|---|---|
| sow | Spread the seeds on the surface of the soil, press lightly and spray water to moisturize, and they will germinate in about 7-10 days. |
| Cuttings | Cut 5-10cm strong branches and insert them into moist soil. They will take root in about 2 weeks. |
3. Common problems and solutions
1. No flowers
Possible reasons: insufficient light, too much nitrogen fertilizer. Solution: Increase light, reduce nitrogen fertilizer, and apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer.
2. Leaves turn yellow
Possible reasons: excessive watering, lack of fertilizer. Solution: Control watering and fertilize appropriately.
3. Pests and diseases
Sunflowers are less susceptible to diseases and insect pests, and aphids or red spider mites are occasionally seen. It can be controlled by spraying with soapy water or insecticide.
4. Horticultural applications of sunflowers
Sunflowers are suitable for potted plants, flower beds, hanging baskets and other planting forms. Their bright flowers can add bright colors to the courtyard or balcony. In recent years, sunflowers have also become a popular plant on the Internet, and are recommended as representatives of "lazy people's plants" because of their drought tolerance.
5. Summary
Sunflower is an easy-care and highly ornamental plant, suitable for beginners and busy urbanites. With proper soil, light, water and fertilizer management, you can easily enjoy its brilliant flowers. I hope this article can help you successfully grow sunflowers!
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