Sunflower Guide

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Soil

The best soils for sunflowers are sandy or silt loam soils. Clay loam soils with good water holding capacity have an advantage in dry years. Good drainage is important since sunflowers do not like water-logged soils. Ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Seed Populations

For dryland low fertility soils, you can plant 18,000 kernels per acre and up to 28,000 (irrigated, high fertility) seed population.

Planting

Soil temperatures should be near 50 degrees at planting with adequate soil moisture. Seeding depth should be 3/4 to 1.5 inches deep into a firm seed bed. The seed can be broadcast. Common row spacings are between 15 and 40 inches, and wide rows can be cultivated. Plant 105 days prior to hunting season to allow plants to mature.

Fertilizer

If you are planting after a legume crop, NPK rates of 60-40-60 are recommended. If planting behind other crops, use 80-100 units of N.

Planting for Dove Hunts

Staggered plantings allow different maturity dates and may benefit management of field for dove hunts.

Use of Herbicides

Herbicides can be used to control weeds and maximize sunflower grain yield. Clearfield hybrids produce more seeds than Peredoviks.

For Peredoviks and Non-Clearfield Hybrids

Planting for Dove HuntsUse Prowl and/or Dual as a pre-emerge herbicide. Spartan can be used, but not tilled in or used after emergence. Rainfall is needed within 48 hours for adequate pre-emergence herbicide control.

For Clearfield Hybrids ONLY

Use the pre-emerge herbicides listed above and follow up with 4 oz. of Beyond per acre. The JD style plates you need for a size 3 or 4 sunflower are B-050-24 and you need a BFR-40 filler plate. Select herbicide can be applied over the top for grasses on both Clearfield and non-Clearfield hybrids. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW HERBICIDE AND SEED LABELS.

** Based on compiled data from the UA and Missouri. Check with your state wildlife departments for rules regarding food plots.