What is the life cycle of the Sunflower like?

The sunflower is a plant belonging to the family Asteraceae, which has this name because it seeks to always face the sun to receive its light optimally; which is why it is also sown and developed in hot temperatures. The life cycle of the sunflower is quite short and very interesting, so we have prepared an entry to explain each of the processes in detail.

This species is characterized not only because during the day look at the sun, but also because it is a flower capable of measuring up to 3,5 meters high, with roots that can reach more than one and a half meters deep in order to maintain its stability. In addition, it has a hairy and straight stem, with large leaves and a yellow head that can measure up to 38 cm in diameter.

Stages of the sunflower life cycle

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All the sunflower seeds they are covered by a layer that manages to come off when the temperature and conditions are conducive to germination; which are produced in the spring time when the hot weather begins, since they are plants that feed on sunlight.

For sowing to be effective, too much care is not needed. Mainly we must bear in mind that they need sunlight, which are normally sown at the beginning of spring, that the soil is not muddy and has a pH value of 6,0 to 7,5.

• One of the main dangers is dry land, so it must be watered abundantly but not all the time.
• They should not be overpaid.
• If several sunflowers are planted, a separation of 30 centimeters should be left for small sunflowers, 60 centimeters for medium ones and 90 centimeters for large ones.
• Also depending on the type of sunflower, the seed should be planted between 3 to 9 cm deep.
• To achieve a better result, some people prefer to sow the seeds in a container with moist soil and once they manage to germinate, transfer them to the ground.

Sunflower germination

La sunflower germination It is a process that happens in approximately 5-10 days maximum; which means that if it is not produced in that time, then they will not germinate and must be planted again.

In the germination process, the favorable conditions are given and the layer that we mentioned above is detached so that the roots sprout in the soil, which tend to anchor at great depth.

Development or growth

At this stage of the sunflower's life cycle, temperature allows both the roots and the seedling (stem that grows at germination) to grow in opposite directions. Because the seedling can reach up to three meters tall, the roots manage to grow up to 1,8 meters below the ground to maintain the balance of the plant.

• It must be taken into account that sunflowers need a support to be able to grow correctly, since their stems could break during their development; in the same way that the ideal temperature for it to grow is 25º C.

The plant stem will grow at the same time as the root (the stem sends a signal as it grows, so that it acts as a natural support). Where the first will grow leaves with the shape similar to a shovel and after a month they will will develop the flower bud, which spends all day following the sun to receive direct sunlight until its maturity; While the roots are considered pivotal, that is, it is a large root that is made up of smaller ones that are organized radially.

The sunflower stands out for being the only flower that can grow daily and you can tell the difference, that is, every day we can see how much higher it is than the day before. Sure, they must be in the right condition.

How is the flowering?

After a month that the button manages to form, it begins to grow and open gradually, until it succeeds and the incredibly yellow petals begin to become visible; which in turn begin to roll back around the button edges in about a week.

Withering

At the end of the growth stage, it drops its petals and a new stage begins, which is called "wilting" as in other flowers, only this is one of the most incredible processes of the cycle.

The button will start to shrink and in the same some seeds will be born in the center, which swell in approximately thirty days. These dry out and fall to the ground, which can be eaten or used to replant more sunflowers.

Regrowth of the plant

Finally, the seeds that fall on the ground and are in the ideal conditions, will start the cycle again.

We hope you enjoyed the sunflower life cycle, which is quite short and amazing. Share it on your social networks so that other people can know about it.