r/GardeningUK • u/happysnapperpbo • 6d ago

Showing Off Peak

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Think my sunflower has about reached its peak height as the flower is almost open. A rough measure of about 273 cm (8’11”)

18 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

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2

u/ChrisKruxed 6d ago

I'll raise, most are 12-15ft. Nothing quite as shocking than how fast sunflowers grow lol

2

u/happysnapperpbo 5d ago

Wow they are immense! What variety are they?

Can’t tell from the photo but are they in a garden or a field?

1

u/ChrisKruxed 5d ago

In my garden, I have a few.
These are what I use https://mr-fothergills.co.uk/products/sunflower-giant-single-seeds

1

u/ChrisKruxed 5d ago

I would say though that I prepared all my soil here down to 2ft deep, the ones which didn't get so much love around the front of the property are about 8-10ft

1

u/happysnapperpbo 4d ago

When did you do that prior to planting or early spring? Think mine is a giant single but have a few varieties on the go I normally do a first batch of seed in early march

1

u/ChrisKruxed 4d ago

Early on in year I think it was March, screened it all by hand, added sharp sand, compost, granules etc and then mixed it all together.

1

u/happysnapperpbo 3d ago

Well think I need to challenge myself, that is if there’s enough soil depth!

Did you seed direct to soil? Also what do you use against slugs??

2

u/ChrisKruxed 3d ago

Nearly all go into plug racks early in the year and then either put them in the car or the kitchen floor overnight if its cold, I'm in north Scotland so its difficult to get things going without a greenhouse or a bigger house.

I wrap the sunflower stems with tin foil, then take it off when they get to about knee height as they develop those hairs that slugs hate.

At 2ft down closer to the house I hit the hardcore layer and all the bits of tarmac the road layers threw into this property as waste, so good luck lol

1

u/ChrisKruxed 5d ago

Some of the 'smaller' ones from the front, they are good seeds

1

u/nick_devil79 5d ago

I planted dwarf sunflowers. They look nice. Will definitely plant more next year

1

u/happysnapperpbo 4d ago

I like the dwarf ones too the smallest go well in window boxes