From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Brisbane Australia

I'm having a go at breaking the Australian record which is not that tall by North American standards, but was wondering if I could ask a few questions and maybe get some tips on improving my chances. How much do you water daily? We are in summer here with tops in the mid to high 80's for the next two months. Also what sort of NPK ratio of ferts do you guys use, do you just stay on high nitrogen all the way for tall flowers? Any other advice would be much appreciated? My grow log is up with photo updates too.

1/14/2014 11:16:05 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I have always planted them is the same soil as the giant pumpkins and fed them a well balanced water soluble fertilizer. The roots go deep so a good watering is needed. Not to much or when the wind coms along it will topple your sunflower and pull it out by the roots

1/15/2014 7:36:31 AM

50 Acres

I have grown them 20 ft. I remove the first2 or 3 leaves at the bottom. I then mound up the siol, and additional roots form. Keep the soil up around the base and add fertilizer. You do not want the tassels to form till late. Sunshine, nitrgen and phosphorus is what is needed. I have notes from Norm Craven, he has grown them 28 ft +++. He recomends 20-20-20 for the first 5 feet. THen switch to 28-14-14 with micro nutrients. I use 16-5-5. Hopes gets you to anew record. Jim

1/15/2014 10:31:33 AM

50 Acres

I may have misread this post. I was replying for tall corn. sorry

1/15/2014 2:45:47 PM

Brisbane Australia

Sorry I didn't make it clear lol. I'm going for the tall sunflower this summer.
Next summer I will be trying for giant corn as well so advice for both is much appreciated.

1/15/2014 3:51:20 PM