Select short varieties
Large sunflower varieties do not reach their full height on the balcony. The pots are usually too small for this, so that the roots cannot spread out properly.
also read
- Small sunflowers for balconies and patios
- Pull sunflowers in a pot
- Grow sunflowers yourself - this is how it works!
It is therefore better to sow small varieties like for example “Double Dandy”, “Teddy Bear” or “Yellow Knirps”. These sunflower varieties get by with less space.
The bigger the pot, the bigger the sunflower
To plant sunflowers on the balcony, the planters should be as large as possible and, above all, deep.
Window boxes (€ 106.25 at Amazon *) are not suitable for planting sunflowers because they are simply too low.
The planters need drainage holes so that rain and irrigation water can drain away. Even if the sunflower likes it damp - you won't get waterlogging.
A good location on the balcony
- Very sunny
- Warm
- Little draft
The sunnier the location on the balcony, the better the sunflowers will thrive. Make sure that the pots are not directly in the draft.
Once the flowers have grown and large, heavy flower heads have formed, a strong gust of wind can break the stems.
If you cannot offer a sheltered space, tie the sunflowers to support pillars.
Proper care for sunflowers on the balcony
Sunflowers need a lot of water in the pot. Water at least every morning on rain-free days. In very dry, hot summers you often have to give water again in the afternoon.
Sunflowers on the balcony need a lot of nutrients. Fertilize the plants at least once, even better twice a week with liquid flower fertilizer. (€ 13.27 at Amazon *)
The seeds of sunflowers that you grow on the balcony should not be eaten or fed to birds or pets. They are often burdened with hormones.
Tips & Tricks
The flower of the sunflower always aligns itself with the course of the sun. During the day, the flower head turns from east to west. In French, sunflowers are therefore also called “Tournesol” = “to turn towards the sun”.
