Sunflowers are beautiful, bright flowers that can be used to create stunning displays in any garden. The best way to ensure a vibrant and healthy display is by growing sunflower companion plants alongside them.
Companion plants are beneficial for sunflowers because they help protect them from disease, and pests, and provide additional nutrition.
By understanding what types of companion plants are ideal for sunflowers, how to plant and grow them around sunflowers, and other important information, you’ll be able to create an amazing array of colors and textures in your garden.
Read on to learn more about sunflower companion plants!
When to Plant Sunflowers
Plant sunflowers later in the spring or early summer. This allows the sunflower seeds to receive plenty of sunlight and warmth for optimal growth, which will ensure your flowers reach their full potential.
Planting the sunflowers too early could lead to stunted growth and a less impressive display.
Types of Sunflowers to Grow
The type of sunflower you choose to plant will largely depend on the area you have available and your personal preference. If you’re looking for a large, showy flower bed, then a variety like the Mammoth sunflower is ideal.
However, if space is limited, then you may want to consider shorter varieties such as the Elf sunflower.
If you are not sure what kinds of sunflowers to grow, below are sunflower seed mixes that are easy to grow! These include:
- Drop Dead Red Sunflowers
- Elves Blend Dwarf Sunflowers
- Florists Sunny Bouquet Sunflowers
- Heirloom Beauties Sunflowers
What Plants Grow Well with Sunflowers?
There are many different types of sunflower companion plants that you can use to create an impressive arrangement.
Some popular choices include herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, and chives; annuals like marigolds, petunias, and bachelor’s buttons; and perennials such as lilies, daisies, and even vegetables such as squash.
If you’re looking for a more natural touch, you can grasses and wildflowers in your sunflower garden.
Herbs to Grow with Sunflowers
Herbs are a great addition to any sunflower garden! Parsley, basil, oregano, and chives all thrive in the same environment as sunflowers, and they can help add flavor and nutrition to your flower bed.
When planting these herbs with sunflowers, make sure you give them enough space (about six inches) so they don’t compete for resources. Be sure to water them regularly and provide adequate sunlight for optimal growth.
Flowers to Grow with Sunflowers
Annuals, like marigolds, petunias, and bachelor’s buttons, are great companions for sunflowers. Plant them at the same time as your sunflower seeds and they will bloom together, creating a display that is sure to draw attention.
Make sure you provide these flowers with ample sunlight and keep the soil moist for optimal growth.
Perennials are also a great choice when growing alongside sunflowers. Lilies, daisies, and other flower varieties make beautiful additions to any garden and will come back year after year if properly cared for.
When planting perennials next to sunflowers, be sure to give them enough space so they don’t compete for resources. Rose and nasturtiums will also make great companion plants to grow with sunflowers.
Vegetables to Grow with Sunflowers
Growing vegetables alongside sunflowers is a great way to create an edible garden. Lettuce, peppers, onions, peas, summer squash, and cucumbers make great sunflower companion plants.
These vegetables make great sunflower companion plants because they all thrive in similar environmental conditions.
They also require plenty of sunlight and regular watering to ensure optimal growth, which is why growing them alongside sunflowers is an excellent choice.
These vegetables will provide a variety of nutrients for your garden, making it both beautiful and functional!
The Four Sisters
The three sisters of companion planting have been used for centuries to create an efficient and productive garden.
This traditional planting system pairs corn, beans, and squash with each other and sunflowers (also known as the four sisters) in order to maximize production.
Sunflowers make a great addition to this trio because they can provide support for the vines of the other plants while also attracting beneficial insects that can help pollinate your flowers and vegetables.
How to Grow Sunflower Companion Plants
Once you’ve selected which companion plants to use with your sunflowers, it’s important to ensure that they all receive the right amount of sunlight and soil nutrients in order to thrive.
To do this, create individual beds or containers for each type of plant, ensuring that they are spaced appropriately so they don’t compete for resources. The soil should be loose and well-drained, as sunflowers prefer drier soil.
Make sure the companion plants receive adequate water during dry periods.
Is it OK to Plant Sunflowers with Tomatoes?
Tomatoes make great companion plants with sunflowers. The sunny flowers will draw in pollinators to your garden, which will help you produce more tomatoes.
Sunflowers are great at attracting bees, which will then pollinate your tomatoes and other plants that are in your garden.
Designing a Sunflower Garden with Companion Plants
When designing your sunflower garden, it’s important to take into account the type of companion plants you are choosing. If you are looking to create a colorful display, consider incorporating annuals such as marigolds, petunias, and bachelor’s buttons
If you are looking for an edible garden, choose vegetables such as squash, carrots, and beets. Once you have decided on the companion plants you want to use, make sure to give them enough space so they don’t compete for resources.
Container Gardening with Sunflower Companion Plants
Container gardening is a great way to create a flourishing sunflower garden. When planting in containers, be sure to use the right soil and provide ample drainage.
Select companion plants that thrive in similar environmental conditions as your sunflowers for optimal growth.
Best Pots to Use with Sunflower Companion Plants
When selecting containers for your sunflower garden, choose ones that are large enough to accommodate the roots of both sunflowers and companion plants.
Clay or terracotta pots are an ideal choice as they allow water to evaporate quickly and help promote healthy root growth. Be sure to select pots with drainage holes in the bottom so excess water can escape.
Soil and Fertilizer to Use
In order to ensure optimal growth of your sunflower companion plants, it’s important to use the right soil and fertilizer. For best results, choose a well-aerated potting mix that is rich in organic matter such as compost or peat moss.
Use a slow-release fertilizer that is specifically designed for container gardening. This type of fertilizer will provide essential nutrients over an extended period of time and can help promote healthy root growth.
Overall, sunflowers make great companions in any garden setting. When selecting companion plants for your sunflower garden, be sure to give them enough space so they don’t compete for resources.
Provide adequate sunlight and water for optimal growth. With the right soil and fertilizer, you can create a flourishing sunflower garden with colorful companion plants.
How Close Can You Plant Sunflowers to Other Plants?
When planting sunflowers with companion plants, it’s important to provide the flowers with enough space so they don’t compete for resources.
Generally speaking, you should leave at least six inches of space between each plant to ensure that the sunflowers receive enough sunlight and nutrients. Additionally, be sure to water all of your plants regularly for optimal growth.
Pests and Diseases
Although sunflowers are generally resistant to pests and diseases, companion plants can be susceptible. This is why it’s important to regularly check all of your plants for signs of infestations or disease.
If you notice any problems with your plants, take steps to treat them promptly in order to prevent the spread of pests or diseases. Make sure that you keep your garden free from weeds and debris, as these can provide havens for insects and other pests.
What Should You Not Plant with Sunflowers?
Potatoes, fennel, and pole beans should not be grown with sunflowers as they may compete for resources. Sunflowers require a lot of sunlight so growing other plants that can shade them will reduce the amount of light they receive.
Potatoes, fennel, and pole beans have similar growing habits to sunflowers so planting them together could cause competition for nutrients in the soil.
Hyssop should also not be grown near sunflowers. Hyssop is an herb that produces small flowers and has a strong scent.
This scent can be overpowering when planted close to sunflowers, making it difficult for bees and other pollinators to access the sunflower’s nectar.
Hyssop has a tendency to spread quickly so it could also overtake your sunflower garden if left unchecked. Therefore it’s best to avoid planting these vegetables with sunflowers.
Conclusion
Creating an amazing array of colors and textures in your garden is easy when you incorporate companion plants alongside your sunflowers.
From herbs like parsley and basil to annuals like marigolds and petunias, there are plenty of options available that will thrive in the same environment as your sunflowers.
With a little bit of effort, you can create an eye-catching sunflower garden with beautiful companion plants!