How to Use Sunflowers as Companion Plants
Birds love them, bees love them, and how can you not enjoy these sunny, happy flowers? Sunflowers may inhibit the growth of some plants in the garden, but they are used to block pollen transfer between some plants, and they help others grow and flourish. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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After there's no danger of frost, sow sunflower seeds in the garden. Just push a seed into the soil about 1/2-inch deep, about every 6 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to 18 to 24 inches apart, depending on the variety of sunflower. Don't throw the seedlings away, you can transplant them, too.
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Plant sunflowers near corn, squash or beans. In commercial fields, farmers use sunflowers between sweet corn and popcorn to help capture pollen that could cross-pollinate the crops.
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Sunflowers may have detrimental affects on some plants, but most home gardeners do not see any difference when they plant sunflowers in their gardens. Wild sunflowers may inhibit the growth of some plants.
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Sunflowers love full sun, but average soil suits them fine. They can tolerate drought, but regular watering helps create larger seed heads. Birds will go for the seeds, so if you want to save them, cover the flower with a large burlap bag or an old sheet.
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