By *Crumbs

Re: Sunflowers
22 Apr 2008 16:52

I bought a pack of American Gigantic yesterday. Somewhere in the back of my head I remember planting 2 seeds together last time I did them, a few years back now..... or am I doting? I`ve admired the neighbours` each year, time to do some myself.

Can you just plant the ones you get from birdseed packs? These bought ones were over three quid for 20 seeds. Thanks, crumbs x

Replies

By Biggles

Re: Sunflowers
22 Apr 2008 18:11

Hi Crumbs, OH puts a couple of seeds per pot. If his fingers fumble it might be 3.
Birdseed is supposed to have something done to it to stop it germinating. However, I used to fight a losing battle against the bird seed that used to grow into allsorts, including sunflowers. The flower heads were never that good.
We love to grow the Russian Giants, 8 feet and counting, well, a couple of them, but many reached 6 foot. Biggs

By Dessert Queen

Re: Sunflowers
22 Apr 2008 21:37

Crumbs, I usually put two seeds in each pot-just in case. I do prefer rudbeckias though as they appear every year.
Funny, Biggs, last year, I had quite a big clump of sunflowers from the bird seeds we put out. Sadly, this year, looks like mostly grass!
DQ xx

By *Crumbs

Re: Sunflowers
22 Apr 2008 23:31

Thanks, that`s my sunflowers sorted. They can go in tomorrow in pairs, I like that idea anyway. I`ll keep my eye out for the Russian ones, Biggs, I didn`t know they existed.

I don`t know much about rudbeckias, DQ, but it would save a lot of hassle not having to plant them every year......
anything for an easy life!
xx

By *Bramble

Re: Sunflowers
23 Apr 2008 06:06

Yes, what's a rudbeckia?
Are we going to have a sunflower competition then?
the birds love eating the seeds out of the flower heads in the autumn :-)))

By Biggles

Re: Sunflowers
23 Apr 2008 09:39

Competition, oh yes :0) I'll have to learn how to use the digi camera :0(
Rudbeckias are lovely, but I only found out on Gardener's World last Friday that they are perrennials. I thought they were annuals. Lovely dark centres in a rich deep gold, reddy gold blooms. Usually grow 2 - 3 feet high. Biggs
DQ we used to have all sorts growing from the birdseed. I used to give my neighbour the millet for her budgie.

By *Crumbs

Re: Sunflowers
23 Apr 2008 14:26

Right Biggs, you`re on. I think it should be handicapped, though, as France has warmer weather. We`ll dock you a foot to begin with. OK??

By Biggles

Re: Sunflowers
23 Apr 2008 19:53

OK Crumbs, but we only have the one seedling poking through at the moment, so I'm not that far ahead of you.
I think you have been having the warmer weather over there since the end of Feb. Just as well we haven't planted out the tatties they would be swimming :0(
It has just stopped raining this afternoon !

Be like the old days won't it, the American Giant v Russian Giant !! Biggs

By *Bramble

Re: Sunflowers
24 Apr 2008 14:17

I've just bought some seeds, they're a F1 hybrid called Moulin Rouge, and they're a lovely velvety wine-red flower with black centre, just a hint of gold around the seeds. Supposed to get up to 6ft so we shall see! Everybody remember to remind us to measure them in August-September !
Bramble:-)))

By *Crumbs

Re: Sunflowers
29 Apr 2008 00:23

Sounds gorgeous, Bramble. We`ll be so chuffed with their smiley faces, that we couldn`t forget. That`s if our neighbour`s cat doesn`t pee all over them! It`s digging stuff out, and spraying everywhere :-(

By *Bramble

Re: Sunflowers
16 May 2008 10:43

Well, they've take three weeks to grow a couple of inches tall, and only three of the six seeds have germinated.
I'll plant two out and leave the littlie in the pot for a while.
Can't see this lot winning any prizes :-)))