Sunflower in May: monthly care

Sunflowers thrive in full sun and need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to produce strong stems and large flower heads. Choose an open, sheltered spot away from strong winds, as tall varieties can topple despite their sturdy appearance. They tolerate a range of soils but perform best in loam or sandy soil that drains freely; heavy clay can be improved by digging in compost or grit before sowing. Sow seeds directly outdoors from April through June, once the risk of hard frost has passed and soil temperature reaches around 10°C. Sunflowers dislike root disturbance, so direct sowing is preferable to transplanting. Prepare the bed by removing weeds and raking to a fine tilth. Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep, spacing them 50 cm apart in rows or groups. If you're growing giant varieties that may reach 300 cm, this spacing allows each plant enough light and nutrients. For a succession of blooms, sow every two weeks until early June. Water the sowing area gently but thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the seeds. Germination typically takes seven to ten days in warm conditions. Once seedlings emerge, thin to the strongest plant at each station if you've sown multiple seeds per spot. Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails using barriers or organic pellets. Tall varieties will benefit from staking early on: insert a sturdy cane beside each seedling when it's about 30 cm high, tying the stem loosely as it grows. Mulch around the base with compost or well-rotted manure to suppress weeds and retain moisture during establishment.