Sunflowers are happy plants that make the garden vibrant during summer. They are known as easy-to-grow annuals, or sometimes perennials, and grow well with companion plants. This means that when you plant sunflowers with other plants, such as tomatoes, marigolds, etc., they thrive well and also help the companion plants to survive. Additionally, they attract pollinators that are beneficial for growth and make your garden look attractive.
This blog discusses 10 companion plants that are suitable for sunflowers, and a few you must avoid.
Things You Must Know About Sunflowers
When planning to plant companion plants with sunflowers, it is important to have a brief idea about sunflowers -
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Sow the seed about an inch or two deep into the soil.
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They grow well as long as there is plenty of sunlight.
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Consider adding space of at least 2 feet between each plant.
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Sunflowers are native to dry prairie regions of the central United States.
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Though they are naturally drought-resistant, they need to be watered regularly.
10 Companion Plants for Sunflowers
Companion plants help protect sunflowers from pests and help them grow well, and vice versa. Here are 10 sunflower companion plants that you can consider planting in your yard -
Marigolds
Marigolds are a natural repellent for harmful pests like nematodes, which can damage sunflowers and other plants in the yard. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, while adding a burst of bright orange and yellow colour to the garden along with the sunflowers.
Zinnias
Though zinnias are smaller, they can complement the bright, cheerful look of the sunflower. These lively blooms thrive all summer and share similar sun and soil needs with sunflowers. Thus, they make them a perfect choice for adding a colourful, lower layer to your garden.
Tomatoes
Though tomatoes need more frequent watering than sunflowers, the two make surprisingly good garden companions. Sunflowers have tall and sturdy stalks that offer shade to tomatoes and protect them from harsh midday sun. This natural protection helps tomatoes retain moisture longer, reducing the watering frequency.
Also, tomatoes act as a trap for stink bugs that can damage your tomato harvest. Thus, keeping the tomatoes protected and improving your garden's health.
Pole Beans
If you want trellis pole beans on sunflowers, the planting is the same as the traditional "Three Sisters" planting method, where squash, corn, and beans can be grown together. The sunflower must be tall enough to provide proper sunlight to the bean seedlings. While certain beans may naturally climb and anchor to sunflower stalks, others may require initial support through tying.
It is advisable to choose dried or butter bean varieties to avoid vining green beans, as it may stunt their growth. Also, beans add nitrogen back into the soil, which is beneficial for heavy feeders like sunflowers. For better results, consider choosing tall, single-stem sunflower varieties.
Cucumbers
Sunflowers have trunk-like stalks that allow cucumbers to climb. This helps keep the fruits off the ground and provides better air circulation. Also, the vines provide strength and stability to the stems of the sunflower that may get lopsided or topple in strong winds.
Lettuce
Sunflowers can be well-planted with lettuce, but timing is of great essence to ensure that both crops thrive. For early-season lettuce, choose a shorter, quick-growing sunflower variety that will not overshadow the young lettuce. Alternatively, you can opt for tall sunflowers, which can provide suitable shade for succession-sown, late-season lettuce. This also reduces exposure to scorching afternoon sunlight.
As most lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, while sunflowers thrive in warm and sunny conditions, this strategy might not be suitable. Hence, it is advisable to choose a summer variety of lettuce as a companion plant for sunflowers.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are the best companions for sunflowers, as they spread all over the ground and act as a cooling mulch. Thus, offering shade and suppressing the weeds. Also, it attracts good pollinators such as butterflies and bees and deters cucumber beetles and whiteflies. Additionally, these plants are also used as trap crops, which draw in pests, such as squash bugs and aphids, which protects the nearby crops as well.
The vibrant orange, red, and yellow flowers complement the sunflowers. Also, as they're shade-tolerant, it makes them well-suited for planting beneath tall sunflowers.
Peppers
Peppers are sensitive plants and can benefit from being planted beneath the tall stem of the sunflower. Sunflowers offer nectar to beneficial, pest-controlling insects during their blooming phase. It also deters aphids, allowing the pepper to thrive and grow properly.
Additionally, the underside leaves of sunflowers excrete extrafloral nectar, which acts as a defence system rather than a means of pollination. This nectar is also beneficial for insects that are attracted to it and helps keep pests away from the pepper.
Basil
Though there are several herbs like garlic that you can plant with sunflowers, basil is one of the best options you can choose. It requires minimal shade even in the summer, and can also grow well with tomatoes and peppers. This means you can grow them altogether, while saving space for other plants in your garden.
Basil boosts the flavour of tomatoes and peppers, and also protects several plants by attracting pollinators and repelling harmful pests, such as beetles, worms, etc.
Plants You Must Avoid Planting With Sunflowers
Here are some plants that you shouldn't plant with sunflowers -
Fennel
Fennels are best potted alone, as they may inhibit the growth of sunflowers. Keep them away from other pants as well.
Potatoes
The sunflowers have allelopathic characteristics that are toxic to some potatoes. It can inhibit germination and stunt the growth of potatoes. As they compete for nutrients, it is advisable to plant away from each other to avoid them affecting one another.
Strawberries
Sunflowers can put too much shade on the strawberries, which can inhibit their growth. Hence, it is better to plant them separately.
Peas
The peas may benefit from climbing up the stalks of the sunflowers, but it may stunt the growth of the sunflowers. Hence, they should never be planted together.
How to Care for Sunflowers?
Sunflowers can range in colour from bright yellow to orange, maroon, red, and sometimes chocolate brown. There are several varieties of sunflower, which may grow up to 1 foot high. Whereas, other varieties may grow up to 14 feet high. Here's a brief care guide for sunflowers to ensure they grow well -
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They need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day.
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They need well-draining soil.
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Sunflowers require plenty of compost and fertilisers at the initial stage.
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As they don't enjoy the wind, plant them against the wall.
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They need to be sown every 5-6 weeks, as it helps extend the season so that you have flowers to enjoy all year round.
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When planted, water them regularly. But, reduce the frequency after the roots are established.
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Keep the soil fertilised by adding a weak dose of fertiliser to the water.
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If the sunflower grows taller, it may require staking. Hence, it is advisable to plant them along the fences and tie them loosely to offer support.
Conclusion
Choosing the right companion plants for sunflowers is important for your garden to flourish. Both companion plants and sunflowers can support each other's growth while keeping the pests away.
