It’s not uncommon for people to think of sunflowers because these plants have rather bright flowers and can reach a height of several meters, so it is not uncommon for people think of a sun-kissed area while imagining their growth. What happens, though, if one doesn’t have a sun-kissed garden spot? Do sunflowers do in the shade? While these sun-loving flowers are famous for requiring a lot of sunshine, you can still grow them even when there is less direct sunlight if you learn how.
Sunflowers, scientifically known as Helianthus annuus, are said to track the sun, or heliotropism, for that matter. While sunflowers usually need full sun, which is about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight in a day, they would not die without it, but they may grow without full sun and may not bloom as well as it would if placed in perfect sun conditions. Knowing the amount of light that a sunflower needs will enable you to decide whether to put them in shady areas or not.
How much sun can sunflowers take?
There are many degrees of shade, but partial shade and full shade are the two most popular. Partial shade means receiving a few hours of sun daily, whereas full shade means almost no direct sun. Sunflowers can survive partial shade but may not flower and grow as tall as they would if grown in full sun. The important thing to note about the planting of sunflowers in shaded areas is the shade-tolerant varieties that should be used and modifying your gardening technique.
Best Sunflower Varieties for Shaded Places
If you are already dead set on growing sunflowers in shady spots, then choose varieties that have low light tolerance. Actually, the shorter and compact varieties tend to do a lot better under shade as compared to tall ones. Dwarf sunflowers or potted sunflowers can also survive under limited sunlight. For example, some of the best options are Teddy Bear Sunflowers or Sunspot Dwarfs, that can still bloom without having full sun.
Tips on How to Plant Sunflowers in Shady Places
Soil condition: Sunflowers thrive with well-drained soil plus a sufficient supply of nutrients. You need to provide your soil with organic compost to make it stronger.
Watering: Because the flowers will get fewer amounts of sunlight, they will surely require fewer amounts of water than normal. Make the soil a little moist to avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing: You are going to use a fertilizer that is balanced because, without the presence of direct sunlight, the nutrients would be what can help your sunflower plant grow.
Spacing: Overcrowding can result in competition for limited light, leading to reduced growth and flower production in overcrowded plants.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cultivating Sunflowers Under Shade
The advantages of growing sunflowers in shaded areas include brightening up dark corners of your garden. However, the blooms may be smaller, and the stalks might be shorter. Shade-grown sunflowers may not produce as many seeds because they are using a lot of energy reaching for light.
Other Plants to Grow in Shady Gardens
If it is hard to grow sunflowers in shade, the best option would be to plant shade-loving flowers like impatiens, ferns, or hostas. These plants can thrive in low-light conditions and add beauty to your garden.
Conclusion
In summary, do sunflowers grow in shade? The short answer would be yes, though there will be limitations. Maybe it will not be too tall or bloom as much compared to the ones grown directly in full sun, yet the proper care can add a bit of color for shady areas. If you feel like trying it, the right variety of sunflowers should be chosen first and healthy soil, while regular watering is maintained.
I am Amelia, a professional who is powerfully driven by an extreme passion for the minute intricacies of flowers and trees. Through years of rigorous studies and practical exposure to botany and horticulture, I managed to nurture expertise that cuts across the scientific and aesthetic fronts of plant life.