acquire sunflowers in Maine is a great experience and an gratifying agency to bring in a snatch of summertime cheer to the body politic ’s landscape . Sunflowers are audacious and easy to grow in Maine ’s climate , and they produce beautiful , undimmed peak that will attract a variety of birds , butterflies , and pollinators to your garden .
helianthus will also bring in a upbeat pop of summer color to your garden , making it a great gain to any outside space . Additionally , sunflowers are a cracking way to tot up a splash of color to any grand or garden , and the bloom will last for several months , giving you a long - lasting source of joyousness and smasher .
Maine climate and growing zones
zona 4b is the coldest , with an modal yearly minimum temperature of -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit . This zona is locate in the northern and mountainous parts of the body politic , and is in the main considered too insensate for most plants to survive winter .
zona 5a is the next zone down and has an middling yearly minimum temperature of -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit . This geographical zone is locate mostly in northern Maine , and while some industrial plant may live the wintertime , they may not be able to produce fruit or flowers .
Zone 5b has an average one-year minimum temperature of 0 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit . This zone is located in the middle of the land and is suitable for a wide-eyed variety of plants , including some more delicate assortment .
geographical zone 6a is the warmest zone in Maine , with an average one-year minimum temperature of 10 to 0 degree Fahrenheit . This zone is turn up in the southerly portion of the state and is desirable for a wide variety of plant , include some tropic varieties .
Growing sunflowers in Maine
Growing sunflowers in Maine can be a challenge due to the stale climate . Maine experiences cold wintertime and light summertime , which can be unmanageable for warm - season flowers like sunflowers to prosper in . helianthus opt temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit and lots of sunshine , which can be tough to total by in Maine . Sunflowers planted in Maine ask to be given extra care and trade protection to survive the cold climate .
When planning to grow sunflower in Maine , choosing a variety that is cold - hardy and capable to resist moth-eaten temperatures is important . Planting sunflower seed in the spring when temperatures are beginning to warm up up is urge . It is honest to await until the grime temperature is at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the danger of frost has pass . sunflower should be planted in a sunny location that receive at least 6 hour of sunlight daily . If the soil is grave and has piteous drainage , it should be amended with constituent affair prior to engraft .
It is important to provide helianthus with plenty of water , particularly during periods of spicy , dry conditions . Mulching around the plants helps to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from compete for water and food . helianthus also need to be staked or supported , as they can be top - heavy and prone to descend over .
In cold climate like Maine , it is best to mature helianthus in a greenhouse or other sheltered surface area . This will aid protect them from cold temperatures and icing . Growing sunflowers in containers is also an selection , as the container can be easily moved to a lovesome location if demand .
Some of my favored varieties of helianthus admit :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Maine
Sunflowerseeds should be set off indoors 4 weeks before your last rime particular date . In Maine , the final frost date are :
You should also consider the size of the variety show of sunflower you are planting , as shorter varieties can be planted later and tall varieties will demand to be started a week or two earlier . Sunflowers should be started indoors :
Starting helianthus from come is a comparatively easy unconscious process that can be done both indoors and out of doors . To begin , you will call for to buy sunflower source from a garden nub or online . When select seed , check that to look for the desired form you want to grow . Once you have your seeded player , you may select to begin them indoors 4 weeks before the last Robert Lee Frost escort for your region .
Fill a seed tray with starter grime and moisten it with a spray bottle . position your seeds on top of the dirt , cover them gently with starter grunge , and irrigate them gently . Place the tray in a warm and sunny place , and keep the territory moist . Once your plants have grown 2 - 3 solidification of leaves , you may transplant them outdoors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Maine
helianthus seed should be planted alfresco after the last modal frost date for your sphere . Planting helianthus seeds too early can ensue in poor germination and seedling increment and potentially end if there ’s a severe freeze .
When planting outdoors , make certain the area has pot of sunshine and well - drain soil . Dig a hole that is twice the sizing of the root ball , and fill the yap with compost or aged manure . rank the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil , then piss deeply .
For the rest of the helianthus ’s life , check that to keep the soil moist and fecundate regularly . With proper care , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no time !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Maine
When helianthus seeds are ready to be harvested , the back of the bloom capitulum will be dry and start to move around dark-brown . The individual seeds will be dry and steady . The fleeceable husks surrounding the seminal fluid will have turned white-livered or lily-white and begun to dry out . To verify if the seeds are ready to be harvest , lightly pinch the cum head between your thumb and index . If the husks break open easily , the seeds are ready to harvest .
Harvesting sunflower seeds is sluttish . Cut the efflorescence head off the stem turn and spread it out on a clean airfoil . To transfer the seed , apply your hands to rub the blossom head and release the seed . compile the come in a large trough or container . Once the seeded player are harvested , store them in an airtight container in a cool , ironic place . Make certain the container is well seal to keep the seeds from going bad . Sunflower seeds can last for up to a year if salt away decent .
Sunflower seeds are delicious and nutrient snack food . They can be eaten raw , salute , or burgeon forth . Sunflower seeds are also used in salad , cereals , granola , and energy bar . They are loaded with essential vitamin and mineral like Vitamin E , daystar , Mg , and zinc . Sunflower seeds can also be used to make helianthus come butter , which is a great choice to peanut butter .
In increase to being a healthy collation , helianthus seeds are also used to make birdseed . you could leave your sunflower intact outside well after the peak have pall to give your local wench a tasty snack !
