Sunflower Planting Season In Olympia, Washington?

Sunflowers are a popular summer vegetable in Washington, with the best soil conditions for planting them being between April and June. They thrive in Central Washington’s warm and sunny climate, requiring sandy, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The Sunflower Festival offers a unique experience with a wagon ride to the sunflower field.

Planting time for sunflowers in Washington is typically from late spring or after the final frost date has passed. Start indoors around February 25 and start monitoring the weather forecast around May 1. If no frost is forecasted, plant the seeds indoors. Warm season crops are typically safe from spring frosts if planted after Memorial Day. Cool season crops can be planted in the ground after Memorial Day.

Sunflowers produce a solitary bloom atop a sturdy stalk in as little as 60 days, making them a reliable crop. Some flowers prefer their growing period through early March and April to bloom in May, June, and July. Daffodils bloom in late September to early October, while tulips bloom from November into early December.

Starting in the spring, stagger planting by planting a fresh row of seeds every two to three weeks for ongoing flowering. Washington has approximately 203 days between the last and first frost. Use the planting schedules below for planning when to plant tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables in various locations in Washington.

When to plant sunflowers in Washington?

Sunflowers are a summer annual oilseed cultivated in the inland Pacific Northwest for the production of oilseed, confectionery, and birdseed. Sunflowers flourish in warm climates and can be planted in late spring, providing the opportunity for crop rotation and an extended period during which herbicides can be applied. The majority of sunflowers are sold into the bird seed market in the inland Pacific Northwest.

What is the best month to plant sunflowers?

Sunflower seeds should be planted directly into the garden after spring frost has passed and soils have warmed to at least 50°F (10°C), which occurs between April and mid-June in the northern half of the U. S. and Canada. Sunflowers are heat-tolerant, resistant to pests, and attractive to pollinators. They can be harvested in late summer and fall for a healthy snack or feed to birds. Sunflowers are annual plants with a daisy-like flower face and come in various colors, but are commonly bright yellow with brown centers.

They make excellent cut flowers and attract bees, birds, and butterflies. Sunflowers are heliotropic, turning their flowers to follow the Sun’s movement across the sky and returning at night to face the east, ready for the morning sun.

When to plant strawberries in Olympia, WA?

Plant dormant strawberries in late winter to mid-spring, trimming roots to 4″-5″ and setting the crown at soil level. Strawberries need soil moisture to thrive. Replanting strawberry beds every 3-6 years due to virus infection is necessary, as leaves may show dwarfing and cupping. Newer cultivars require less frequent replanting. Replant with certified virus-free crowns. Control gray mold by picking and tossing affected berries and raising them on mulch.

Common Leaf Spot can overwinter on old foliage and infect new leaves in spring. Mowing or cutting foliage after harvest can help prevent and control the disease. Drip irrigation is also helpful in preventing infection.

What planting zone is Olympia, WA?

The 2023 USDA Hardiness Zone Map now lists Olympia, Washington, in Zones 8a and 8b, a change from the 2012 map, which placed Olympia in Zone 8a.

What month is the best time to sow seed?

Spring is the best time for direct sowing seeds, but some can be sown during summer and autumn. Seed packets provide recommended times for sowing outdoors. Seeds can be sown directly in drills or broadcast over the soil surface. Drill sowing is easier to distinguish, while broadcast sowing is suitable for small seeds or large areas. Mixing seeds with sand helps identify areas covered. Large seeds need wide spacing, so seeds can be inserted into the soil using a cane.

Should I soak sunflower seeds before planting?

Soaking seeds before planting is a common method to improve germination, as seeds have a hard outer layer to protect themselves from insects and diseases. Soaking them in water softens the hard seed coat, exposing the embryo to moisture and promoting growth. Sunflower seeds don’t need to be soaked, but soaking them for 12 to 24 hours can hasten germination and increase the number of sprouts. To grow sunflowers outdoors, cover the planting area with finished compost or aged manure, then work it into the ground, loosening the top 12-18 inches of soil. This loose soil allows the sunflower’s long taproot to grow easily and improves water infiltration.

When to start planting seeds in Washington state?

The best time to start planting in Washington depends on the crop and the last frost, typically occurring in early April. Spring is officially here, making it the perfect time to start gardening. Although temperatures will continue to warm, the Evergreen State won’t experience warm weather like it did recently. Spring showers are expected in western Washington for at least the next week, and temperatures will remain under 60 degrees. However, this is not the best time to start planting in your garden.

When to plant Olympia WA?

The planting calendar for spring and fall crops is based on the last spring frost and includes dates for planting seeds indoors, seedlings or transplants, and the start of the season. The calendar starts with the first dates for planting, but “last planting dates” are added to help new gardeners know when to plant. Some crops with short maturity times can be succession planted throughout the summer in northern areas.

However, some cool-season crops like kale and lettuce may not grow well in hot temperatures, causing bolting issues. Some gardeners, especially in the South, may need a break to avoid summer heat, but can start planting once the heat has passed.

When to plant bulbs in Olympia, WA?

Tulip planting in the Pacific Northwest offers the opportunity to choose your preferred color combinations and enjoy them throughout spring and summer. Tulips typically need to be planted in the fall to allow time for root growth and flower preparation. However, if tulips bloom in late spring or summer, they can be planted now. To plant tulips, dig holes about 3 inches deep using a cylinder bulb shovel.

Most gardens in the Pacific Northwest have adequate soil, but adding a sand/compost mixture can improve the chances of success. Spring tulips thrive in sunny areas, so planting them under a deciduous tree should be a viable option.

When to plant sunflowers in WA?

It is recommended that sunflower seeds be sown in the spring or early summer, at the time when the soil is undergoing its warming process. The flowering period lasts for approximately eight to ten weeks. In the context of garden beds, the optimal distance between seeds is 60 cm, with a depth of 2 cm, resulting in a spacing of 2 cm between seeds.

What grows best in Washington state?

The region is characterized by a thriving agricultural sector, with a diverse range of edible plants, including berries and fruit trees, as well as a prominent vegetable gardening industry, particularly focused on leafy greens and root vegetables. However, the proliferation of pests such as slugs and snails is facilitated by moist conditions.