Last Updated on October 31, 2022 by Cristina
Wondering Why Do Sunflowers Close Up? The reasons are pretty simple! These mesmerizing plants hold some interesting facts.
Sunflowers are one of the most popular flowers grown and sold. Many people like them for their meaning, while others simply prefer the optimistic color. This plant is easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making them perfect for beginner gardeners who want to add color around them.
In this article, I explain why your sunflowers will close up. I also share how you can keep them alive for longer once you transfer them to a vase and how you can grow them in a container.
What Does It Mean When A Sunflower Closed?
When your cheery plant closes up and doesn’t open again, it’s normal to feel a little worried. You might even be wondering: why do sunflowers close up at all? Here are a few reasons why your sunflower might be closing up:
- Sunflowers like facing the sun. When the sun’s down, they close for the night and turn away from where it set, waiting for it to rise again in the morning.
- If your sunflowers don’t get enough water, they might start closing up. You can quickly rectify this by giving them more water and keeping a consistent watering schedule.
- Sunflowers close up when they’ve bloomed and been pollinated. The seeds they carry can become heavy, and their heads may start to droop and close.
How Often Should Sunflowers Be Watered? Why Do Sunflowers Close Up?
Sunflowers need a lot of water to germinate. If you don’t give them enough during this process, they’ll grow weak stems that can’t keep them upright. After the seeds have germinated, you only need to feed them about an inch of water weekly. You can use a water nozzle to do this or install a spraying system.
You don’t need to water your sunflowers daily, but this might be necessary if you live in a sunny area. Sunflowers don’t like moist soil, so ensure it drains well where you plant them. Overwatering your sunflowers and keeping them in wet soil could lead to root rot and other diseases. You’ll know your sunflowers are drowning if their leaves start browning.
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Sunflower Soil Requirements – Why Do Sunflowers Close Up?
Sunflowers like clay soil. Their roots need to grow about 4 feet, so ensure the ground is still easily penetrable. You should also test your soil until it reaches a pH level between 6 and 8. This is ideal for sunflowers.
You can use typical fertilizers like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for your sunflowers. A slow-release fertilizer will work best. Apply small amounts at a time to ensure the soil stays nutrient-rich.
How Do You Perk Up Sunflowers?
If your sunflowers seem a little limp, you should water them more. This typically happens when they’re grown in scorching sunlight. Once you cut them, they’ll last about 8 days. Here are some tips for extending this timeframe:
Pick Your Sunflowers Early In The Morning
Picking sunflowers early will help them retain water and keep them looking fresher. Try to pick them before temperatures rise, but only once they’re fully open. One to two hours after sunrise is ideal.
Sunflower Seeds for Planting Flowers (5 Pack Mix)
Cut Your Sunflowers At An Angle – Why Do Sunflowers Close Up
Cutting the sunflower stem at an angle will ensure it soaks up more water when put in a vase. Use sharp, clean scissors for a flawless cut. A flat stem will absorb less water than an angled one, and your flower might end up being underwater.
You can cut your sunflower stems every few days to extend their lifespan. This will create a new surface for water absorption and ensure the plant stays healthier.
Add A Sugar And Lemon Solution To The Water
You can help your sunflowers stay vibrant by adding a sugar and lemon solution to their water. One teaspoon of water combined with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice will help delay wilting and ensure your sunflowers stay healthy and alive for longer.
Read more about Cold Damage In Tomato Plants: Signs And Solutions
Meet Your Sunflower’s Watering Needs – Why Do Sunflowers Close Up?
Vased sunflowers will absorb more water than those in the ground, so you need to ensure they don’t drink too much. Always use cool water, and replace the water every day. Doing this allows you to fill the vase with just enough water for the day and check how much they drink each time.
You might feel tempted to fill the sunflower vase with water to the top, but this isn’t necessary. Covering the stems partly will do.
Do Sunflowers Bloom More Than Once?
Sunflowers only bloom once but can stay in bloom for up to 12 weeks. Seeds from a previous plant might come up again the following year. If your sunflowers didn’t drop any seeds, you’ll have to plant new ones.
Growing Sunflowers In Containers
If you like sunflowers but don’t have the land to grow them, you can start them in containers. Regular sunflowers take up a lot of space, but some varieties are container-friendly. Sunflower varieties that grow well in pots include the sunny smile and Sungold dwarf.
- Sunny Smile Sunflowers: This cheery-named sunflower is a hybrid dwarf that grows well in pots. They prefer temperatures between 70 and 80°F and reach heights of 6 to 20 inches.
- Sungold Dwarf Sunflowers: Also known as teddy bear sunflowers, this fluffy variety makes an excellent container sunflower. They can grow up to 40 inches tall in pots and like temperatures no higher than 90°F.
Final Words – Why Do Sunflowers Close Up?
Sunflowers are hardy and easy to grow. They can brighten up any room when placed in a vase or grown in containers on your patio. There are many varieties, each with specific water, soil, and sunlight requirements. You should choose the best type for your region for successful flowers.
If you grow your sunflowers in pots, be sure to place them in a spot that gets enough daily sun. Sunflowers turn to the sun to attract more bees for pollination and need an area in your garden where doing this is possible.
I hope this article was a good read and helpful. If you have more questions about sunflowers, pop them in the comments!
