I challenge you to a sunflower growing contest - Updated 3/5/09

[FCG]

Grow a Sunflower contest 2009

The idea is to grow at least 2 each one being Wiko's own sunflower seed and one 'variety' of your choosing. Go with 2 Wilkinson if you like. I'll rig a poll together at the end of the year with everyone's photographs and we can vote for the winner of 'Best in Show'. We'll also see who's got the greatest height as well.
This post will be used as the 'update page' on size, people competing etc.

The current contenders are:
FCG
Shaun
AndyRVTR
garddwr
SnooziSuzi
richyrich7
poultrygeist
Parsnip
tam
mumofstig
Matron
MoreWhisky
Yabba
tallulah
Yorkie1
Carrottcruncher
DD.
Neal
horsepooisgood
matthew2riches
redfig
Bombers
digalotty (and skye)
crabstickuk
tillytup & Megan
Faz
Billy251
IsleworthTW7
cathangirl
wellybabe
pol and mick
Celery
pumpkinpatch
ropster
Beetroot queen
Rangerkris (bwahahhahaha)
Riala
green fingers
Pumpkins Plot

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OP: I'm throwing down the gauntlet to all you 'so called' flower growers You're all rubbish compared to my ol' sunflower tricks. You'll never come anywhere near me with your pansy's.. you pansy's.

So who is up for a spot of competition this year with growing sunflowers? Anyone on here grow big ones year on year if so, want to share your tips and tricks?

[shaun]

ok your on mate,are we talking height or size of flower head ?

[SnooziSuzi]

mine only ever get to about 8' tall  :roll:

[AndyRVTR]

I've never grown one before but i'll take up the challenge    

[FCG]

Shaun it's height all the way. You grow any old seed or specialist?

Snoozi, what was your biggest?

[shaun]

just any old seed will do pal ,trust me  :wink:  

[garddwr]

I'll try as well then.

[SnooziSuzi]

I'll have a shot - my biggest ever was in 2006 at 8', but the heads were small.  Last year I grew one which got to about 6.5' but the head was huge!!

[richyrich7]

Whipper snapper    

Count me in  

[poultrygeist]

I'm already on board.

Mine's reached 3ft since yesterday and I'm hoping for a golden goose when I climb it. :wink:

(off to google for tips :twisted: )

Rob

[Parsnip]

Great idea!!!!!


When do you plant them? I'll have a go...

[poultrygeist]

Got some tips on starting them off, location, soil type and feeding. Got a position in mind. See you in late summer with an 8 metre tape measure  :wink:

Rob

[tam]

I've got some seeds called Russian Giant (sounds promising) how early do you start them to get giant ones?

[richyrich7]

Got some tips on starting them off, location, soil type and feeding. Got a position in mind. See you in late summer with an 8 metre tape measure  :wink:

Rob

Plenty of muck 'n a big hole is my approach. Keeping the hens off will help no end as well  :roll:

[poultrygeist]

Them's the ones !

Apparently you can start them indoors in a dark, warm place (airing cupboard), as soon as they germinate move them to a warm, very bright windowsill and only plant out after the last frost or with a cloche over.

Feed liquid fertilizer sparingly. They like full sun, low wind, rich soil and don't like disturbance. Stakes will be required.

Bon chance.

Rob