You have to take care of them while growing because plants are very delicate. One of the most important things to be very careful about is watering the sunflowers. When we compare the sunflower plant with several other plants, they require more water in their early stages especially. If you don't know how often to water a sunflower, then this article is for you. Keep reading.
Watering The Sunflower Plant
Sunflowers need a lot of water in their initial growth. They need approximately 7.6 liters of water in a week. It is recommended to water them daily. But if you don't want to do that, then water them at least twice a week. The best time to water them is the early morning when the sun is on top of them. Then you can water them again in the evening.
Proper watering and sunlight result in the tremendous growth of sunflower plants. They can grow up to 4.5 meters in height if maintained properly. It would be best if you used a water spray bottle to shower the heads of the sunflowers; it's healthy for them. Don't let this plant get dry; keep it moist as much as possible.
Zoe Harvey
Before watering the plant you should always check its soil first to ascertain if it's over-watered or under-watered. Just like its name reflects, it loves the sun. Sunflowers need proper sunlight for nourishment so putting them in a shady place won't be a good choice. Here are some Factors that affect the watering routine of the sunflower plant.
1. Soil That Drains Well
A healthy sunflower plant needs well-drained soil. Watering it properly is necessary, but its soil has to be perfect as well. The sunflower roots will be affected if they have heavy soil(clay-like). It would help if you tried amending the soil before watering the plant. It'll improve its draining ability.
2. Space For Roots
Sunflowers plants need to have a firm grip on the soil because the sunflowers are large in size and heavy. By watering the plant, its root grows inside the soil, and it needs a proper space for that. So ensure the soil is good enough and spacious enough for your sunflower plant's roots.
3. Thirsty Plant
The sunflower plant is said to be one of the thirstiest plants. They can grow really long, that's why they need a lot of water and sunlight. It doesn't matter if you put the plant inside or outside; ensure that the place has enough sunlight and that you water it regularly.
4. Keep The Soil Moist.
5. Rainfall
If your sunflower plant gets watered by the rain more than two times a week, then you shouldn't water it yourself. Why do it yourself when nature is helping you? Let the sunflowers enjoy the rain and get wet. But don't let them receive too much of rain. If you feel that it's too much water, then you can cover those plants with a shade or something.
6. Overwatering
Don't let the base become a puddle due to excessive moisture. It'll be really dangerous for the roots of the plant. The stems get rotten, and the roots get unstable due to overwatering. So don't do that. It can kill the plant by causing diseases, molds and fungi.
7. Underwatering
If the leaves of your sunflower plant start fading, drooping, or becoming brown. It means that the sunflower plant is not getting enough water that it needs. Start watering it more. But do that gradually. Your sunflower plant will be alive again if dealt with with proper care. The leaves of the plant get curled if the plant hasn't received enough water.
8. Germinating
It's a process when the seeds start growing. At the germination stage, sunflowers need quite a lot of water. They need more water and sunlight to form long roots in the soil.
9. Flowering
This stage occurs from the 40th day of your sunflower plant. At the flowering stage, it needs more water until its 80th day. It doesn’t mean that you start watering it day and night, maintain a balanced watering routine.
10. Climate
A sunflower plant growing in a dry climate needs more water than one growing in a humid climate.
11. Mid-Day Watering
It's not recommended to water the sunflower plant mid-day because most of the water evaporates then, and the roots don't get enough water. So the best time to water the sunflower plant is in the morning and the evening.
12. Young Vs. Mature Plant
A young sunflower plant is considered to be when its seedling; in that stage, the plant needs to be watered daily. But when it's in a mature stage, it needs to be watered twice or thrice a week.
13. Indoor Vs. Outdoor Plant
Indoor sunflower plants need more care and attention than outdoor plants. The outdoor sunflower plant can receive rainwater and direct sunlight, but the plants you keep inside depend on you. You have to water them, and you're responsible for their nourishment. Make sure the pot you put the plant in is safe and large enough for the sunflower plant. Water it regularly and place it somewhere where there is enough sunlight. Keep its soil moist but don't overwater it.
14. Mulch
The material used to increase soil fertility is known as mulch. You can add this to your ground to help the sunflower plant to grow well by maintaining the ground temperatures.
15. Trickle Irrigation System
It's also known as a Drip Irrigation System and helps water the plant's roots in your garden. It saves you time and effort. The settings can be adjusted. They are usually placed under the ground.
Zoe Harvey
Conclusion
Sunflower is a beautiful plant and a great addition to your garden. But like every other plant, it needs your attention and care. If there's something wrong with the plant, it starts giving you signs; you must understand them. If the heads of the sunflowers are dropping, that means they need more water. On the other hand, if the soil is overwatered, you'll start seeing fungus around it. You can test the soil with your fingers and deal with it accordingly. We hope the information was helpful to you.
