Can I grow sunflowers in containers?

Growing sunflowers in pots offers versatile options for those with limited space to grow. Teddy Bear is a great example of a dwarf variety, suitable for growing in pots that have a minimum of 12 inches (30 cm) in depth and have good drainage. Be sure to use a high-quality potting mix and place your containers in a location with full sun. Water the soil when it begins to dry out to a depth of 1 inch. Container gardening provides the flexibility to relocate your pots during extreme weather conditions.

Watering containers requires a different approach than watering garden plants. In hot weather, check the soil moisture daily by inserting your finger into the soil to assess its moisture level. Water thoroughly until the water comes out of the bottom holes. During heat events, you may need to water containers twice daily. Place pebbles on the soil's surface as mulch to help reduce evaporation.

To tackle some typical issues with containers. To stake if the variety is over 2 feet tall, securing stems with soft ties. Look out for root binding and replant when roots circle the container. Rotate pots once a week for even growth. Move containers to shady areas if extreme heat occurs (90°F).

To enjoy the freshest cut flowers from containers, cut the stems early in the morning and catch the blooms before they open - when the buds show color, but petals are still closed. Put straight into water. Container plants bloom earlier than garden plants. To maintain continuous color, plant new containers every 3 weeks.

Read the full article: When to Plant Sunflowers: Full Guide