grow sunflowers in Michigan is a great agency to bring a burst of colour and ravisher to a garden . Sunflowers are a low - maintenance plant that requires minimal work to revel a big harvesting . They are also fabulously resilient and can resist the changing weather conditions of Michigan ’s climate .
helianthus are an excellent choice for Michigan nurseryman , as they are fantastically easy to arise and allow for a stunning backcloth to any garden . With the proper preparation and care , helianthus can thrive in Michigan ’s mood and bring a vivacious , eye - catching showing to any garden blank space .
Michigan climate and growing zones
Climate in Michigan ’s arise zone 5 is broadly considered to be a continental climate , with hot summer and cold wintertime . The average yearly temperature is around 42 ° atomic number 9 ( 5.5 ° C ) . Rainfall is abundant throughout the class , with an average of 33 column inch ( 838 mm ) per year . winter are inhuman and snowy , with temperatures dipping to below freezing from late November until recent March . Snowfall averages around 50 inch ( 127 centimeter ) per year .
Summers are warm , with temperature reaching into the LXXX ( 26–30 ° C ) for several hebdomad in July and August . Due to the temperate clime and rich rainfall , a wide miscellany of plants can mature in Michigan ’s growing zone 5 . Cool time of year crops such as beet , broccoli , bread , carrots , kale and prickly-seeded spinach can be planted in saltation and harvested in summer .
Warm - season crop such as edible bean , corn , cucumbers , peppers , squash and tomato can be planted in later fountain and harvest in late summertime . Perennial yield such as apples , cherries , peaches and plum are also grown in this region .
Growing sunflowers in Michigan
Growing sunflowers in Michigan can be a intriguing but rewarding experience . While the climate in Michigan is generally balmy , it can also be very cold in the winter calendar month . helianthus are fond - conditions plant , and may not survive cold temperature . That said , if the wintertime is meek , sunflower may still be able to survive and blossom .
Sunflowers need plenitude of sunlight and dirt with good drainage . If you are growing sunflowers in Michigan , it is authoritative to select an area with wad of sun and well - draining soil . You may also need to irrigate your sunflowers more often if the soil is not well - draining . When plant your helianthus , it is important to take the good variety .
Some helianthus potpourri are more cold - tolerant than others . In Michigan , you may want to try sort such as ‘ Sunny Boy ’ , ‘ self-aggrandizing grinning ’ , and ‘ Mammoth ’ . These variety are known for their inhuman - tolerance and will grow prominent , beautiful flowers .
In the summer months , sunflowers in Michigan can thrive . The affectionate temperature , bright sunlight , and well - draining soil will serve your sunflowers prosper . You may ask to water your helianthus more often during the summertime months to ensure that they get enough moisture .
Some of my favorite potpourri of helianthus include :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Michigan
Sunflowerseeds should be bug out indoors 4 weeks before your terminal frost engagement . In Michigan , the last freeze dates are :
You should also count the size of the variety of sunflower you are planting , as shorter varieties can be engraft later and taller varieties will need to be begin a week or two earlier . helianthus should be started indoors :
protrude sunflowers from seed is a relatively well-to-do outgrowth that can be done both indoors and alfresco . To begin , you will need to purchase helianthus seeds from a garden centre or online . When selecting seed , make indisputable to look for the want variety you need to grow . Once you have your come , you could opt to start them indoors 4 weeks before the last hoarfrost date for your region .
Fill a seed tray with starter grunge and moisten it with a atomiser nursing bottle . Place your seed on top of the soil , traverse them gently with starter stain , and water them gently . Place the tray in a affectionate and sunny speckle , and keep the soil moist . Once your plants have grown 2 - 3 set of leaves , you’re able to transplant them out of doors .
Planting sunflowers outside in Michigan
Sunflower come should be institute outdoors after the last middling frost escort for your country . Planting sunflower seed too early can result in poor germination and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a strong freeze .
When planting outside , make certain the field has plenty of sunshine and well - run out dirt . Dig a hole that is twice the sizing of the antecedent lump , and fill the hole with compost or aged manure . Place the seedling in the hollow and backfill with soil , then H2O deeply .
For the balance of the helianthus ’s living , make trusted to keep the ground moist and fertilise regularly . With proper tending , you should have beautiful sunflowers in no clip !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Michigan
When sunflower semen are quick to be harvest , the back of the flush header will be dry and start to turn brown . The individual ejaculate will be dry and steady . The green husks surrounding the seeds will have turned yellow or blanched and begin to dry out out . To confirm whether the seminal fluid are ready to be harvest , lightly tweet the seed question between your ovolo and forefinger . If the husks break open easily , the seed are ready to harvest .
harvest home sunflower seeds is easy . Cut the blossom head off the stem and spread it out on a clean surface . To remove the seeds , habituate your hands to rub the flower chief and release the seed . call for the seeds in a big bowl or container . Once the seeded player are harvest , store them in an airtight container in a cool , juiceless post . ensure the container is well sealed to keep the seeds from go bad . Sunflower seeds can last for up to a class if stored decent .
Sunflower seminal fluid are yummy and nutritious bite solid food . They can be eaten rude , toasted , or pullulate . helianthus seeded player are also used in salads , food grain , granola , and energy bars . They are loaded with all important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E , P , magnesium , and Zn . helianthus seeds can also be used to make helianthus seed butter , which is a cracking option to peanut butter .
In addition to being a healthy collation , sunflower seeds are also used to make birdseed . you may leave your sunflower intact out of doors well after the flowers have go to give your local bird a tasty snack !
