Site and soil preparation

Sunflowers need full sun; see 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day—the more the better if you are trying to grow them to their maximum potential. Choose a well-drained location, and prepare your soil by digging an area of about 2-3 feet in circumference to a depth of about 2 feet. Sunflowers are heavy feeders and deplete the soil more than many other crops—especially if you are growing them to reach a massive height—so the nutrient supply must be replenished each season. Work in a slow release granular fertilizer—one that also contains trace minerals-- about 8” deep into your soil.