How to Start a Small Sunflower Garden in Puyallup

Sunflowers are one of the most cheerful and easy-to-grow flowers you can plant in your garden. If you’re in Puyallup (or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest), these sunny blooms can thrive with a little care and attention. Whether you’re planting them as a backdrop to other flowers or simply want to brighten up your backyard, here’s a simple guide to get you started on your very own sunflower garden!

1. Choose the Right Spot

Sunflowers love the sun, so make sure to choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight – at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Puyallup has a mild climate, but that extra sunshine will make all the difference in how tall and vibrant your sunflowers grow.

2. Prepare the Soil

Sunflowers prefer well-drained soil, so if your soil tends to get soggy, you might want to mix in some compost to improve drainage. They also like soil that’s a little on the acidic side, so if you’re not sure about your soil’s pH, it’s a good idea to get it tested. Work the soil about 6 inches deep to ensure it’s loose and ready for planting.

3. Planting the Seeds

Plant your sunflower seeds after the last frost (usually mid-April to early May in Puyallup). Make a small hole about 1 to 2 inches deep and drop a seed in. Space the seeds at least 6 inches apart if you’re planting smaller varieties, or 12 inches apart for larger ones. If you’re planting multiple rows, keep them about 2 feet apart to give your sunflowers plenty of room to grow.

4. Watering

After planting, water the seeds thoroughly. Once they sprout, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Sunflowers are relatively drought-tolerant, but regular watering will help them grow strong and tall. If the weather’s especially dry, make sure to water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage healthy root growth.

5. Staking (If Needed)

Some sunflower varieties grow quite tall (up to 10 feet or more!), so if you’re growing a taller variety, you might want to stake them to prevent wind damage. Simply insert a stake near the base of each plant and gently tie the sunflower to it using soft twine.

6. Watch Them Grow!

Sunflowers grow quickly, so you’ll start to see them reach for the sky in no time. If you want your sunflowers to bloom a bit longer, you can remove the dead flowers as they fade, allowing the plant to focus energy on new blooms.

7. Harvesting Seeds (Optional)

If you’d like to harvest seeds for the next year or to enjoy a healthy snack, wait until the flower heads have dried out completely. You’ll know they’re ready when the seeds are plump and easy to remove from the flower head.