The sun is back and with it comes Wintringham in Bloom’s annual sunflower competition. Can you grow the biggest sunflower in Wintringham? It’s time to find out.
Sign ups for the competition are now closed.
About the competition
We have two prizes up for grabs: tallest sunflower and largest flower head. Winners will be crowned at the end of the Summer (judging date to be confirmed).
Growing instructions
Sow your Russian Giant sunflower in the individual cardboard seed pods right away using the supplied seed compost. Make sure it’s moist, then cover with cling film and place on a sunny windowsill or greenhouse bench.
Remove the cling film once the seeds have germinated. Water seedlings a little every day if they look dry (your cardboard seed pods will dry quickly).
Pot on into larger pots with multipurpose compost (you can plant the cardboard pod, too) and water it regularly, allowing water to drain from the bottom. Plant outside once all risk of frost has passed and your sunflower is at least 30cm tall.
Competition tips
- Make sure you shelter your sunflower from the Wintringham wind
- Use a stick or a cane to support your sunflower as it grows
- Take notes of measurements and photos of your sunflowers with a measuring tape (see the pictures), whenever you think it’s at its best. You will have 2 weeks at the end of the summer to submit your measurements.
