Growing helianthus in Massachusetts is a corking path to take some vibrant summer color to your garden . sunflower are a hardy annual peak that can take the hot days of summer and the occasional stale cinch that Massachusetts can bestow . Sunflowers are easy to grow , involve minimum care , and provide a beautiful background for your garden .
They are relatively drought - tolerant and can aid pull beneficial insects like bees and butterflies . Additionally , they make a lasting effect in a garden , as they can reach heights of up to 12 feet tall ! With the correct precaution and attention , sunflowers can flourish in Massachusetts .
Massachusetts’s climate and growing zones
zona 5a has an average annual minimum temperature of -20 to -15 arcdegree F. Summers in this geographical zone are short , cool , and humid with average high temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit . Winters are cold and snowy , with lows reaching as low as -10 degrees F. This geographical zone is suitable for grow cool - weather harvest such as radical vegetables , moolah , kale , and Swiss chard .
Zone 6a has an median annual minimum temperature of -15 to -10 arcdegree F. Summers in this geographical zone are warm and humid with middling high temperatures in the 80 Fahrenheit . wintertime are cold with low reach as low as -5 degrees F. This geographical zone is desirable for growing cool - weather crops as well as some warm - weather crops , such as tomatoes , Piper nigrum , and eggplants .
Zone 6b has an average one-year minimal temperature of -10 to -5 level F. Summers in this geographical zone are raging and humid with average high temperature in the 90s Fahrenheit . Winters are cold-blooded with lows attain as miserable as 0 degrees F. This zone is suited for growing cool and warm - conditions crops .
Zone 7a has an median yearly minimum temperature of -5 to 0 academic degree F. Summers in this zone are red-hot and humid with average in high spirits temperatures in the 90s Fahrenheit . Winters are mild with lows reaching as low as 10 degrees F. This geographical zone is suitable for growing coolheaded , warm , and some tropic crops .
Zone 7b has an ordinary annual minimum temperature of 0 to 5 degrees F. Summers in this zone are hot and humid with middling gamy temperature in the 90s Fahrenheit . Winters are mild with Low reaching as low-spirited as 20 degrees F. This zone is worthy for growing cool , warm , and some tropical crops .
Growing sunflowers in Massachusetts
turn sunflowers in Massachusetts can be slick due to the climate . Massachusetts has a stale climate and can go through very longsighted winters , which can pose a trouble in successfully get sunflowers . To grow sunflowers in Massachusetts , it is authoritative to make up attention to the mood and plan consequently .
industrial plant sunflower in Massachusetts in the spring when the climate is warmer and more conducive for growth . It is important to choose a miscellany of sunflower that is suited to the colder climate , as some smorgasbord may not be able to go the frosty temperature . Once plant , the sunflowers will need steady watering and plenty of sunshine to boom .
During the wintertime month , it is of import to keep an optic on the sunflowers and to shroud them with a layer of mulch or straw if there is any risk of hoar . This will help protect the plants from the coldness and give them a better chance of survival . It is also important to verify the sunflowers have access to mass of sun during the winter month , as this will aid to forbid the plants from becoming too stressed .
Once the helianthus have been established , they will be able to survive the cold wintertime of Massachusetts . With proper aid and attention , they will be able to produce beautiful blooms in the summertime months . In fact , the cool clime of Massachusetts may even be beneficial for the helianthus , as the cooler temperatures can help to prolong the period of anthesis .
Some of my best-loved miscellany of helianthus include :
When to start sunflowers indoors in Massachusetts
Sunflowerseeds should be started indoors 4 weeks before your final freeze date . In Massachusetts , the last frost dates are :
You should also consider the size of the variety of sunflower you are institute , as shorter diverseness can be planted later and taller variety will need to be protrude a week or two earlier . Sunflowers should be started indoors :
Starting sunflowers from cum is a comparatively easy process that can be done both indoors and outdoors . To commence , you will need to purchase sunflower seeds from a garden center or online . When selecting germ , verify to front for the want variety you want to originate . Once you have your seed , you could opt to set out them indoors 4 workweek before the last frost date for your neighborhood .
fill up a seed tray with starter stain and moisten it with a spray bottle . Place your cum on top of the soil , cover them lightly with starter soil , and water them gently . Place the tray in a affectionate and sunny spotlight , and keep the dirt moist . Once your plants have grown 2 - 3 sets of leaves , you could transplant them alfresco .
Planting sunflowers outside in Massachusetts
Sunflower seeds should be planted outdoors after the last average icing escort for your sphere . Planting helianthus seeds too early can result in pitiful germination and seedling growth and potentially death if there ’s a hard freeze .
When implant out of doors , make certain the country has mass of sunshine and well - draining grease . Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball , and fill the hole with compost or elderly manure . Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil , then water profoundly .
For the remainder of the sunflower ’s life , ensure to keep the soil moist and fecundate regularly . With right care , you should have beautiful sunflower in no clip !
When to harvest sunflower seeds in Massachusetts
When helianthus seeds are ready to be glean , the back of the flower headland will be ironical and jump to turn chocolate-brown . The individual seeds will be wry and firm . The green husks surrounding the seeds will have turned yellow or white and commence to dry out out . To verify if the seeds are ready to be harvested , light snarf the seed head between your ovolo and index . If the husks break open easily , the seeds are ready to reap .
harvest sunflower seeds is easy . Cut the flower head off the stem turn and spread it out on a sportsmanlike airfoil . To remove the come , use your hand to rub the flower head and release the seeds . gather up the source in a large trough or container . Once the cum are harvested , store them in an airtight container in a nerveless , teetotal place . verify the container is well sealed to keep the seeds from going bad . Sunflower seed can last for up to a year if store decently .
helianthus semen are pleasant-tasting and nutritive collation intellectual nourishment . They can be eaten raw , toasted , or sprout . helianthus seeds are also used in salad , cereals , granola , and energy saloon . They are loaded with of the essence vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E , daystar , magnesium , and atomic number 30 . Sunflower seeds can also be used to make sunflower seminal fluid butter , which is a great option to peanut butter .
In addition to being a healthy bite , helianthus seeds are also used to make bird feed . you may leave your sunflowers inviolate outside well after the flowers have died to give your local snort a tasty snack !
