Sunflower is a deep-rooted oil crop that handles dry spells, which makes it a useful rotation partner.
Getting the stand right
Sow at even depth into moist soil and thin to the recommended spacing; sunflower cannot compensate for gaps like some crops. Plant after a different family to reduce disease carry-over.
Nutrition
Sunflower needs boron; deficiency gives twisted heads and poor seed set. Apply nitrogen moderately; too much lodges the crop.
Problems
Birds and head rot near maturity. Harvest when the back of the head turns yellow-brown and seed moisture falls to about 10% for safe storage.
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