The Easy Alternative To Worm Castings That Will Keep Your Sunflowers Happy

Sunflowers, for all their bright sunshine and smiles, aren't quite as happy-go-lucky as they seem to be. Sure, once they're blooming, they're great, but getting them there actually takes a little consideration. A lot of passionate growers rely on worm casting as a tried and true method to growing fantastic sunflowers (as well as many other plants), and that's great when you've got a full setup of worms doing their thing. But the reality is, many of us don't have compost set up. Thankfully, there's another way to keep your sunflowers well fed and happy, even when growing them in pots. That's by using a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 –with NPK standing for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. 

But skip the urge to overdo this because less is more, especially with sunflowers. This flower doesn't appreciate overfeeding and over-fertilizing. In fact, doing so could even lead to fertilizer burn. And if you're just getting started on your sunflower growing journey, remember: you should grow sunflowers from seed and not buy them as seedlings. Sunflowers don't like being moved, so store-bought seedlings often come with transplant shock which will affect with their future growth. Seeds, on the other hand, will grow in the pot in which you plant them, with no trauma and no drama.

When it comes to using a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, timing and moderation will be key. Start feeding once the seedlings are a few inches tall and have developed a couple of true leaves as that's when they're ready to take in nutrients. And feeding every two weeks is plenty, so don't fall victim to one of those avoidable mistakes everyone makes growing sunflowers.

Another good tip is to apply the fertilizer in a ring a few inches away (called the drip line) from the plant's base which will protect the stem and leaves from burn. And then water it in thoroughly so the nutrients reach the roots without lingering on the surface of the soil. As a general rule, avoid feeding right before a heavy rain, since the rain may wash everything away before it can reach the roots.

Compared to worm castings, a 10-10-10 fertilizer may be a simpler and more accessible option especially for beginners wondering if they should plant sunflowers in their garden. The answer here is yes, absolutely, just be ready to give them the balanced nutrition they need in a form that's easy to control. Your sunflowers are sure to thrive and you get to enjoy their gorgeous happy blooms all summer long.