Can I grow Black Oil Sunflowers in my garden?

[Heathercp]

I keep reading about BOSS and know that I can buy seeds at the feed store, but can I grow the flowers in my garden? Can I just plant some of the seeds from the sack I buy at the feed store? Or is there some place I can get packets of seed for planting. Just seems like it might be fun to have some sunflowers that I could toss in the run for them to pick at.

 

[Lesa]

You sure can- just put them in the ground and wait for the magic!!! I usually just let the birds plant mine...

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

DW plants a row in the garden every year from the birdseed sack. They turn out beautiful, & the birds love them.

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

I do, but the local gold finches get them before I do, It is fun to watch the clouds of them an the flowers

 

[LoreenH]

I've tried growing them, but the stinkin' squirrels always get to them before they are ready to cut.

 

[weirdmuse]

Judging from all the sunflowers that spring up in my yard from my bird feeder, you can just plant the ones you get from the feed store. If they are a hybrid (and I'm pretty sure that they are not) you won't get the exact same seed as you planted but the chicks will still love them.

 

[ginasmarans]

Sure, you can plant them and they will grow, but like everyone else said, the birds will probably get them before they are ready. Someone told me that to keep the birds out,just put some hosery over the flower.

 

[Joz]

How tall do they get?

 

[emys]

I think it depends on your soil etc., but they are short 3-4 ft tall - nothing like the mammoth striped seeds sold.

 

[GardeNerd]

Quote:
I was curious about this too. I had a bin that accidentally got left out by the kids, then got wet in the rain. I dumped them into the compost. Now my compost is sprouting sunflowers out all the holes on the sides. It made me interested in planting a few of these in the garden instead of the regular sunflowers.