Have you ever seen big, yellow sunflowers that look like the sun? Growing them can be super fun! Sunflowers are cultivated by farmers in fields so that they can obtain oil from its seeds. Though it does not require much water, it can thrive in various land conditions.
In order to grow these flowers properly, farmers need to understand how much water the plant requires. Additionally, what type of fertiliser to apply, and when to harvest the crop. These three are extremely important to consider before planting. If farmers take proper care of the sunflower plants, they will earn a good profit once they grown.
Many farmers use tractors to help with sunflower farming. Therefore, good tractors save time and work by reducing manual work. One strong and popular tractor is the Farmtrac 45. Farmers who want to buy it often search for farmtrac 45 price online or at tractor stores.
Let us now learn about sunflower farming and how to maintain the plants.
How to Grow Sunflowers: Step-by-Step Tips
If a farmer takes the correct steps, the crop will become healthy and strong. Good soil, sufficient water, and the proper fertilizer are all required for a good sunflower crop.
Best Land and Climate for Sunflower Farming
Sunflowers require open spaces of land where sunlight reaches them frequently. The warm weather and the sun make the plant happy. Sunflowers thrive in regions of 20°C to 30°C. The soil shouldn’t retain water for long periods. Sandy soils or loam soils suit the sunflower best. When the soil is too damp or too arid, sunflowers won’t grow as needed.
Farmers need to clean the ground before planting sunflowers. Farmers need to eliminate weeds and rocks. It makes the plants grow well. Tractors can be utilized to level the ground. A plough can loosen the soil. This makes the roots penetrate deep and become strong.
Right Time to Plant Sunflower Seeds
The ideal time to sow sunflower seeds in India is between January and June. In certain areas, farmers sow them in October too. Plant the seeds in rows. Leave a little gap between each plant. This allows the plants space to expand. The seeds should not be planted too deeply. Approximately 2 to 3 cm is sufficient. If the seeds are planted too deeply, they will not grow properly.
Once seeds have been planted, the farmer ought to water the field. The water enables the seeds to sprout. In a short time, little plants will begin emerging from the soil. The infant plants require care and daily inspection.
Water Required for Sunflowers
Sunflowers require not so much water. However, they need water at the appropriate time. When the plant is not watered while growing, the flowers will be weak and small. The initial water must be administered after planting. Subsequently, water is required when the plant begins to grow rapidly. Also, administer water when the plant starts to bloom and when seeds are developing.
If there is rain, the farmer needs to verify whether the soil is waterlogged. Excess water is bad for the sunflower roots. If the weather is hot and dry, then the farmer must irrigate the field every 7 to 10 days. A drip system may also be employed. It conserves water and provides moisture to the roots slowly.
Most small-scale farmers today employ a Mini Tractor to transport water tanks and inspect the crops. They are simple to manoeuvre and function great on small farms.
Fertiliser for Sunflower Crops
Fertiliser is plant food; it provides the plant with the energy to grow strong and tall. The farmer should mix compost or natural manure into the soil before planting. This makes the soil fertile. Then, chemical fertilisers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash can be added. These must be provided in small quantities.
The first dose of fertiliser is given when the plant is young. The second dose is given when the plant starts to flower. Too much fertiliser is not good. It can burn the plant or harm the soil. Farmers should follow the advice of farm experts or local agriculture officers.
With the proper fertiliser, the sunflower grows large flowers with complete seeds. The seeds are oil-rich and fetch good money at the market.
Care of the Crop
Sunflower crops require care even after planting. Weeds must be removed on a regular basis. Weeds steal food and water from the soil. If weeds are allowed to grow excessively, the sunflower will not receive adequate nutrition. Therefore, the field has to be kept clean.
Insects and pests also damage the crop. Certain insects consume the flowers and leaves. Farmers can use natural sprays or safe chemicals to repel the pests. It is advisable to inspect the field at regular intervals of a few days. Precautions at an early stage can protect the crop from major damage.
Harvesting the Sunflower Crop
When the sunflower is ready, the back of the flower turns yellow or brown. The seeds become hard and dry. This is the time to harvest. The crop is usually ready in 80 to 100 days after planting.
Farmers cut the heads of the flowers and dry them in the sun. Once dry, the seeds are removed either by rubbing or by using a machine. These seeds are then transported to the market or oil mills.
If the crop is not picked at the correct time, the seeds will fall on the ground or be eaten by birds. Therefore, proper timing while harvesting is crucial.
Tractors or mini tractors may be utilised to transport the harvested crop. This is time-saving and assists in quicker transport to market or storage.
Conclusion
Sunflower cultivation is an intelligent option for farmers. It requires less water and grows rapidly. If the soil is good, the water is supplied in a timely manner, and the appropriate fertiliser is applied, then the crop yields a very good output. Farmers must also guard the crop from weeds and pests.
With good care and the help of tractors, sunflower farming becomes easy and profitable. Tools like the Farmtrac 45 or a Mini Tractor make the job simple for both big and small farmers. Also, knowing the massey tractor price in india or other tractors helps farmers choose the best one for their land.