CARING FOR SUNFLOWERS
When the plant is at the early stages, water around the roots 3 inches away from the plant.
Once the sunflower is grown, water once a week deeply to improve deep rooting
Feed them just enough nutrients. Excess fertilizer can cause sudden plant growth with a poor root system.
Tall sunflowers need support as they grow, perhaps support from stakes to support the stems.
As they grow, pests and diseases will start showing interest in the seeds. Spray the plants with a garden fungicide when fungal diseases are spotted.
REAPING SUNFLOWERS / STORAGE
Harvesting sunflowers for bouquets, cut the stem just before the flower bud opens to allow side blooms.
Stems need to be cut early in the morning, when harvested in the afternoon or evening, it can lead to the flower wilting.
Sunflowers should be handled with care for them to last at least a week in water at room temperature. Make sure the containers used to store them provide great support to their heavy heads.
To keep them fresh, change the water daily.
The main reason Honey Hill Organic Farm and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville planted 15 acres of sunflowers was to press the seeds for oil to be sold for cooking purposes.
Honey Hill Organic Farm is a part of a fair share community-supported agriculture coalition that benefits partner share programs great for low-class individuals to shop for fresh produce weekly. Due to the community-supported agriculture offered by Honey Hill in fall and summer, producers are connected to consumers, allowing them to shop at local markets, farmers’ markets, or even directly with Honey Hill farmers. There are advantages of CSA such as; Consumers get to experience and experiment with all types of products offered, it boosts vegetable and fruit consumption, as well as supporting local agricultural producers. Honey Hill Farm offers CSA to Madison, Platteville, Hazel Green, Galena, East Dubuque, Potosi, and Dubuque in case you want to shop a variety of produce.