Sunflowers have officially been crowned Britain's most popular flower, so gardening expert Elise Hurlock shares some little-known tips for growing the vibrant yellow blossoms this summer.
Sunflowers bloom every summer and fall (Getty Images)
Nothing brightens up your garden quite like vibrant sunflowers, and one gardening expert has revealed a 99p hack to help keep the popular plants thriving this summer.
It's no wonder that sunflowers have been hailed as the nation's favorite flower lately, especially since they boast attractive yellow blossoms and distinctively long stems. Sunflowers bloom every summer and fall, but gardening guru Elise Hurlock has revealed effective secrets to keeping your sunflowers blooming all year round.
The experts at Prestige Flowers say that dissolving the gummy bears in water creates a “nutrient-rich solution” that can improve soil fertility and promote growth. “The sugars in the gummy bears provide a quick energy source for beneficial soil microbes,” Elise says.
“These microbes are essential for breaking down organic matter and releasing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, which are vital for healthy plant growth,” she added. Gummy bears are particularly well suited for this purpose, she said, thanks to their ingredients.
She continued: “Unlike other treats that may contain artificial additives or coatings that can harm soil microbes and plants, gummy bears are made from simple sugars that microbes can easily metabolize, making them an effective and safe option for increasing soil fertility and supporting healthy sunflower growth throughout the growing season.”
Additionally, combining Gummy Bear Fertilizer with lawn clippings is a powerful way to encourage sunflower growth. The lawn clippings act as a natural mulch, retain moisture in the soil, and slowly release nitrogen, a nutrient essential for healthy sunflower growth.
“Using grass clippings as mulch helps keep the soil cool and moist, especially on hot summer days,” Elise says. “It also suppresses weeds and slowly nourishes the soil as it decomposes.”
Simply mulch the grass clippings around the base of the sunflowers, being careful not to add too much soil. “This not only nourishes the plants, but also reduces the frequency of watering, making your gardening routine more sustainable,” she added. Savvy shoppers can buy the 190g gummy bears for 99p in Aldi.
Tips for Successful Sunflower Planting
If you don't have any gummy bears at home, Elise shared some lesser known tips for successful sunflower growing.
Sunlight is key – Sunflowers grow best in direct sunlight, so plant them in an area that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Water Thoroughly – Water sunflowers thoroughly but frequently to encourage the roots to grow deep. Adjust your watering schedule according to the weather to keep the soil optimally moist.
Support system – For taller sunflower varieties, use posts or garden stakes to support the stems and prevent them from falling over during windy conditions.
Pest control – Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and slugs. Natural remedies like introducing ladybugs or using a mild soap spray can effectively manage pest infestations.
