Calling All Denverites: You CAN Grow a Sunflower Sanctuary in Your Backyard (Yes, Really!)
Ever dreamt of having a backyard that looks like a scene straight out of a Monet painting? You know, bursting with those cheerful giants, the sunflowers? Well, my friend, ditch the plane ticket to Provence because you can totally cultivate a sunflower haven right here in Denver!
But wait, isn't Colorado a little, well, high-altitude for such sunshine seekers?
Touch�. Denver's got that whole "Mile High City" thing going on, but fear not, these floral friends are surprisingly adaptable. Sunflowers are tougher than they look. They're practically mountain climbers in the flower world, thriving in well-drained soil and basking in all that glorious sunshine Colorado is famous for.
Now, here's the million-dollar (or should we say seed-packet) question: what kind of sunflowers should you pick?
Here's where things get exciting! Denver offers a buffet of sunflower options. You can go for the classics – the towering giants that reach for the sky, proudly displaying faces the size of dinner plates. Or, if you're feeling fancy, there are dwarf varieties that are perfect for containers or smaller gardens.
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
Pro tip: Plant a mix of heights for that layered, "wow-factor" look.
But wait, there's more! Did you know there are even perennial sunflowers? These bad boys come back year after year, saving you the hassle of replanting. Plus, they're a favorite amongst our local pollinators – bees, butterflies, you name it – who will shower you with gratitude (and maybe a little honey for your troubles).
So, how do you get started on your sunflower sanctuary?
Here's the skinny:
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.
- Timing is key: Hold your horses, sunflower enthusiasts! You don't want to plant these guys too early. Denver can be a bit unpredictable in the spring, with occasional frost sneaking in. Wait until after Mother's Day to be safe.
- Sun's out, seeds out! Sunflowers are sun worshippers. Pick a spot in your yard that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
- Soil prep: Sunflowers aren't too picky about soil, but well-drained is the name of the game. Amending your soil with some compost will give them a happy head start.
- Water wisely: These thirsty fellas need a good drink, especially when they're young. But don't drown them! Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
 |
| Can You Grow Sunflowers In Denver |
Sunflower FAQ:
How to plant sunflower seeds?
 |
Simple! Push seeds about 1/2 inch deep into the soil and space them according to the variety you choose (taller guys need more room).
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
How to attract birds to your sunflowers?
Let the seed heads dry on the stalks after flowering. The birds will thank you for the free buffet!
How to harvest sunflower seeds?
Once the back of the head turns brown and droops, you can harvest the seeds. The easiest way is to rub the head with your hand and let the mature seeds fall into a bowl.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
How to stop squirrels from eating your sunflower seeds?
This can be a battle! There are various methods like bird netting or using squirrel baffles, but sometimes you just gotta accept that you're sharing your bounty with nature's little thieves.
How to encourage your sunflowers to grow taller?
Sunflowers naturally reach for the sun, so providing a little support with a stake can help them reach their full height, especially for the bigger varieties.
There you have it, Denver dwellers! With a little planning and some sunshine-y spirit, you can be well on your way to a sunflower sanctuary that will be the envy of the neighborhood. So, get planting, and get ready to bask in the glorious glow of these happy giants!
 |
