There are a few steps on how to prune a sunflower; they’re as simple as sterilization, elimination, shaping, and watering.
Well, it’s still the season of bloom; we are quite far from escaping summer madness. Around springtime, I presume that most of you get to see the flowers blooming. Who would forget sunflowers from the list? I bet no one did.
It’s so wonderful to the eyes seeing the efflorescence of sunflowers bursting splendid petals. A picturesque view gives relief and calmness of mind. It was just like scenes from the movies, a never-ending valley of romantic ambiance. But in real life, gardeners and florists maintain the aesthetic appearance of flowers.
If you’re a newbie in the field of planting, this article can help you how to prune a sunflower. Stop worrying about pruning a sunflower; we prepared some tips for you as you read.
Type of Sunflowers To Prune
Sunflowers also vary in style, color, texture, and structure. There are two types of sunflowers that we can see growing in gardens; the perennial and annual sunflower. It’s better to know your choice of plant.
Annual sunflowers are a type of sunflower that blooms once a year and do not need pruning. In contrast, perennial sunflowers need pruning because it grows within groups.
Be mindful of your choice of sunflower because it is not just for display, but also needs to be taken care of. So, go further and digest ideas that can help you become an excellent plant mom or plant dad.
Pruning The Sunflowers
In this area, we will teach you the proper ways on how to prune a sunflower. Let’s start now!
#1 Sterilization of pruning equipment
Sanitizing and disinfecting your pruning equipment will prevent bacteria and microorganisms from contaminating the tools needed. It will stop the bacteria from spreading to other plants.
You can use hedge shears or sharp bypass hand pruners as tools in pruning a sunflower.
#2 Elimination of plant’s unhealthy parts
In this step, you will trim the ailing, damaged, and dried parts of the plant. Decluttering unnecessary details before you do the pruning can make your task faster and easy.
After getting damaged parts, do not combine it with the compost bin for sunflowers to prevent spreading the contaminated parts. It is better to be burned or be picked up by the waste collector.
#3 Pruning sunflowers into shape
It is always better when there are style and creativity in everything you do. Your craft will be more attractive when inserted with effort.
So, after you trim down the damaged parts of your perennial sunflower, prune it into shape. By pruning your plants into your desired shapes or style, a new look would reveal.
#4 Water plants after pruning
Plants also experience being stressed after their makeover. For that matter, they need a regular dose of water to relieve their pressure. Put water in the top inch to soak the dry surface of the sunflower, making it absorb nutrients.
When To Prune Sunflowers
Sunflowers are naturally ray of sunshine because it brightens up your day in any mood. Their bright sunny petals and chocolate-colored center attracts the eyes and are head turners. You would always feel like its summer when you see these flowers along your way. Am I right?
But when is the best time to prune a sunflower?
#1 Cut your plants twice a year
In late spring or near summer, cut your perennial sunflower half the size of their original appearance. It is a good idea of pruning the sunflower. After that, minimize the size of the sunflower several weeks again.
#2 Keep the warm climate
Around June, gardeners from warmer temperatures usually prune their sunflowers, reducing two-thirds of its original length.
In a warmer climate, sunflowers can thrive easily with its manageable size because of pruning.
#4 Don’t prune after the first blooms appear
Usually, perennial sunflower bloom during the summer between its mid and late periods. Sunflower producers should always watch over their plants from time to time. It’s not good for them to be pruned after their bud formation.
However, the variety of late summer blooming has a different way of pruning than the other array. Late summer blooming types are required to be pruned back as they reach one and a half to two feet in height. They will bloom after weeks of recovering from the cuts.
#5 Pruning of the tallest varieties in June or July
In June or July, some variety of sunflowers such as Mexican sunflowers or “Tithonia diversifolia” and Maximilian sunflowers or “Helianthus maximiliani” needs to be trimmed. You have to reduce their sizes; a new manageable height of 4 feet will do.
Maximilian sunflowers can survive in winter months. Its seeds serve as the food for the birds. But then, tall sunflowers should be cut for the arrival of early spring.
#6 Remember that annual sunflowers will not bloom again
Some planters remove this type of sunflower; it is because they can’t bloom and produce another batch. They can be trimmed back when they start to become brownish and dry their leaves and stem.
Conclusion
The final action will be yours. I hope that you will apply the steps and ideas we have just shared with you. The things mentioned above will hone your potential and enhance the power of your green thumb. Pruning sunflowers may sound exciting but always remember to work with a happy heart.
What you reap is what you sow!