Sunflowers

[sherrardk]

I've got some sunflowers growing in pots but they appear to be mutant giant ones - they have virtually reached the end of the canes that are supporting them (they are the longest canes I could find). Anyone have any bright ideas on how I can support them - they aren't anywhere near flowering and I can't tie them to a fence, etc (only available fence is shorter than the actual canes).

[boxtops]

Tie canes to canes, then tie them together at the top?

[SlackAlice]

Using plastic cable ties can you extend the existing cane with another one?

[Chipchopper]

If you feel they need further support, you could extend the canes by using heavy duty 'Gaffer/ Duct tape.
Overlap the canes more than twice the width of the tape and wrap the tape around each end to prevent twisting.

[tamborine]

As they can reach 20ft+ they require good support. Plant in ground for root strength, beside house for ease. Can you attach string from upstairs window/guttering/nail high up, attach string reaching down to plant, tie to stalk to secure and gently twist string up plant as it grows. Nb string should be loose so as to take weight as plant grows.

[sherrardk]

20ft!!! They're like triffids now (meant to be a growing contest with a friend who provided the seeds but hers have given up the ghost). I'll get himself to make the canes longer (I can't reach).

[Ouzel]

On the topic of sunflowers - I'm growing them for the first time but am finding that, as they grow, the lower leaves are dying off - is this normal ??

[welshlibranr]

ouzel, yes this is perfectly normal, you can pick off the dead lower leaves, the plant is sending the energy to the flower, and so not feeding the lower leaves....

[Peaspeculiars]

Mine have outgrown the canes so have now raised the washing line up via a hook in the wall, cable tied them loosely to it and they are still about to outgrow it. I know what you mean Sherrardk! :o)

[Ouzel]

Thank you welshlibranr - much appreciated.

[sherrardk]

Mine are like flipping triffids, the leaves are huge and they seem to be growing inches every day. No signs of flowers yet though. We are supposed to be in a competition with my friend and her kids - she planted the seeds, but her's are only about a foot tall.