How to Prep Your Field for a Successful Growing Season

Whether you're planting sunflowers for a seed production, conservation, or hunting plots, success starts before the seeds hit the soil. Here's your step-by-step guide for preparing your field.

1. Choose the Right Variety

Start with a seed that matches your goals—weed control, height, yield potential and disease pressure are key factors when determining which variety will work best for each field. At Seed Ventures, we offer both Imidazoline (IMI) Tolerance and Sulfonylurea (SU) Tolerance as well as focusing on agronomic traits that will maximize yield in your field.

2. Soil Testing and Fertility

Sunflowers thrive in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0–7.5. Conduct a soil test to determine nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium needs. Apply fertilizer based on test results—don’t overdo nitrogen, or you risk lodging and late blooms.

3. Weed Control Matters

At Seed Ventures we always recommend a burn down and/or pre-emergent control for hard to control weeds. It is important to always plant sunflowers into a clean field, then use the SU or IMI tolerance varieties to utilize post-emergent weed control.

4. Planting Tips

• Timing: Plant once soil temps are 50–60°F.

• Depth: 1.5–2 inches deep.

• Spacing: 20–30,000 seeds per acre.

5. Don’t Forget Wildlife Needs

If planting for dove or game bird attraction, stagger your planting dates or use varieties with slightly different maturities. This ensures a longer hunting window.

Need help choosing the right sunflower variety? Contact us for recommendations based on your goals and location.