How to Plant Black Oil Sunflowers

Black oil sunflower seeds provide wild birds with nutrition.

Unlike the striped-shell type of sunflower that humans enjoy eating, the black oil sunflower seed has a thin shell which makes it a favorite among many types of birds. It is also used in the production of sunflower oil. Like the familiar sunflower, however, black oils get quite large -- up to 8 feet in height. Wait until late spring to plant your black oil sunflower seeds and plant them in a full-sun location.

Things You'll Need

• Gardening fork or roto-tiller

Instructions

1. Work the soil in the garden, using a gardening fork or roto-tiller, until it is fluffy and no roots, rocks or other debris remain.

2. Plant the black oil sunflower seeds 1/2 inch deep. Large seeds should be planted 1 inch deep. Allow 2 feet of space between seeds.

3. Water the flower bed immediately after planting the seed until it is moist to a depth of 3 inches. Keep it moist until the seeds germinate, which should occur within 10 days.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension; Sunflowers; Jill MacKenzie; December 1999
• Local Harvest: Black Oil Sunflower Seed
• "Sunset Western Garden Book"; Editors, Sunset Books; 1995