If you want to learn how to plant sunflower seeds, follow these easy step-by-step instructions on how to grow sunflowers and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful sunflowers in your garden thru the fall!

Step 1 – Buy Sunflower Seeds

Your favorite nursery or retail store should have a nice selection of seed to purchase.

Sunflowers come in a range of colors and sizes now, so pick your favorite.

Don’t use bird seed or sunflower seeds from the grocery store packaged as a snack.

Read about sunflower types.

Step 2 – Choose Your Location

Choose a sunny location with ample room for larger type sunflowers to grow. Sunflowers require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. All day sun is best.

The soil in your location should drain well. Standing water is not good as is a place that does not get adequate rain, like directly next to your house under the eaves.

Step 3 – Gather Your Tools

You will need a hand trowel, water and possibly a shovel if you are planting in a large area.

(You don’t need the marigolds, they are just there to make the picture pretty!)

Step 4 – Prepare Soil to Plant Seeds

Loosen the soil and break up or remove large clumps.

For maximum growing power, loosen the soil up to 2′ deep.

Step 5 – Make a Shallow Trench

Make a shallow trench with the tip of your hand trowel 1/2″ to 1″ deep.

Check your seed packet for the actual depth, as it varies from package to package.

Step 6 – Fill Trench With Water

Fill the trench with water and allow it to drain before you place the seeds.

Step 7 – Place Sunflower Seeds In Soil

Place your sunflower seeds 3″ to 6″ apart, making sure they have good contact with the soil.

Step 8 – Cover Seeds

Cover your sunflower seeds with 1/2″ to 1″ of soil.

Check your seed packet for the actual depth, as it varies from package to package.

Step 9 – Tamp Soil

Lightly tamp the soil above your sunflower seeds to make sure the soil and the seeds are making contact.

Step 10 – Water Again

Water the soil again. This helps remove air pockets around your sunflower seeds and ensures good contact with the soil.

Step 11 – Mark Your Row

If you wish, mark your row with a plant maker so you don’t forget what you have planted.

Put the date on your marker, you’ll have an easy reminder of when the seeds were planted.

Sunflowers take approximately 5 to 14 days to sprout.

This how to grow sunflowers guide brought to you by a lover of sunflowers and gardening. Growing sunflowers will make you smile and since you can’t look at the sun, look at your sunflowers! Hope you grow great sunflowers!