The growth period of a sunflower is the time it takes from germination to seed maturity, usually around 85-120 days. Different varieties, sowing dates, and planting environments have different growth periods. The whole growth period of sunflower can be divided into seedling stage, bud stage, flowering stage and mature stage. What are the characteristics of different periods?

Characteristics of sunflowers in different periods:

1. Seedling stage

Sunflowers go from germination to germination, called the seedling stage. Usually 35-50 days, summer is 28-35 days. This period is the formation of leaves and flower primordia and the differentiation of flower buds. During this period, the growth of the aboveground parts is slow, and the roots of the underground parts develop rapidly, which is the best period for sunflower drought tolerance.

2, bud stage

The top of the sunflower has a star-shaped body with a diameter of one centimeter, which is commonly referred to as "budding". From germination to flowering, it takes about 20 days, which is the most prosperous period of life. During this period, sunflowers need a lot of fertilizer and water, accounting for 40% to 50% of the total fertilizer. During this period, if the water and fertilizer requirements cannot be carried out in time, it will have a great impact on the yield of crops.

3. Flowering period

75% of sunflower plants are ligulate flowers, and this period is the flowering period. It usually takes 6-9 days from the beginning of the ligulate flowers to the full opening of the tubular flowers. The flowering time of this flower is from the next day to the 5th day. During these 4 days, about 75% of the blooms are open. Flowering from 4 am to 6 am, pollination and fertilization the next morning. Unfertilized shoots can survive 7-10 days without dying. The self-pollinated seed setting rate of sunflower is very low, only 3%, while the cross-pollinated seed setting rate is very high. High temperature, rain, high humidity, lack of light, dry soil, etc. can all lead to lower yields. The high yield of rice can be effectively promoted by adjusting the sowing time, fertilizing, watering, controlling pests and diseases, adopting bee release, artificial pollination and other methods.

4. Mature period

The period from flowering to maturity is 25 to 55 days, and in summer it is 25 to 40 days. There are certain differences between varieties. The period of seed formation is 15 days after flowering. During this period, it should be noted that the climate is good, the temperature difference between day and night is large, and the soil humidity is suitable.

Precautions for sunflower planting and maintenance:

Whether you're an experienced gardener or you're taking your first steps, teddy bear sunflowers are a great way to start your hobby. To ensure you get a healthy plant with beautiful flowers, follow these tips.

Precautions 1. Do not water the base of the plant directly. Sprinkle water 2 to 3 inches from the roots.

Sunflowers like the right amount of water. While dry soil won't do much damage to plants, waterlogged pots can do more damage to teddy bear sunflowers. So make sure the soil is moist, but don't overwater.

Precautions 2. Pay attention to weeds and pull them out regularly. Make sure the soil is free of weeds, which can compete with the sunflower plants for water and nutrients.

Note 3. Mulch is a great addition to maintaining soil temperature.

Note 4. Add less fertilizer, only when the soil is too bad. Too much fertilizer can cause the head to overgrow, proving too heavy for the stem, causing it to break.

Note 5. If the plant is growing too fast, you may need to support it in the early stages of development. This tends to happen in fertile soil.