I can’t recall ever having to worry if it has been “cold enough” for plants? While we are enjoying this warm winter, did you know many of our plants need to chill? Many plants actually have a required chilling period to produce properly the next year. Exact chill temps are different for plants such as apples and hydrangeas, and the number of hours needed for chilling vary as well.
The chill hours for apple trees are generally between 800-1,000 hours at a temp range of 32- 45 degrees. Hours that occur over 45 degrees or under 32 do not count. Peonies have a chill requirement of 500-1,000 hours between 32-40 degrees. This explains why peonies don’t do well in southern states. The chill hour requirement is based on cumulative hours and they do not need to be consecutive.
Hydrangeas need 6-8 weeks of chilling and they are ready to bloom again. Plant nursey people can then start bringing pots into the green house and start growing them on. This also provides yet another reason not to put just any potted plant in the basement or garage. Plants that have a short chill period, can also be the ones that are tricked into breaking dormancy too early after a streak of abnormally warm weather.
Thankfully we have that great source of information called the plant tag or label. All of the chilling hour details have been sorted out for us — no worries! Purchase plants for your own zone, southern Minnesota is zone 4 — 5a. When you order from catalogs or on-line, they will sell you what you order regardless of your zone so check the hardiness zone.
Sunflowers now come in a variety of options
What can grow six or more feet in one season and have a big smiley face? A sunflower of course! Back in the day there was the mammoth or the mammoth to choose from. Now, there are numerous colors, shapes, sizes and heights to choose from. One of my favorites, at about 2-feet tall, is teddy bear. It resembles a yellow chrysanthemum — except with a million petals and 6-inch flowers.
Who could resist sunflower names like lemon aura, copper queen or buttercream? Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed right in the garden. Because they grow so fast, they aren’t really practical to start in seedling containers a head of time. They develop quickly and will have a weak stem if not started directly in the outdoor elements. Sunflowers are another great kid plant. Easy seed to handle, with quick growth.
Sunflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Shorter types can be mixed in the flower garden, and taller ones are great for back of the border or to screen out the neighbors. Many of the newer varieties are pollen free, so if you are looking to attract bees and butterflies, avoid the pollen-free types. Florists and bouquet makers choose the pollen free types to avoid the insect damage that some pollen feeders create. They are also cleaner to work with, no pollen smears on the work shirts.
When picking them for bouquets, cut them at their prime time. Just as the petals are starting to lift off the face of the flower is the perfect time. The types without a central seed head should be picked just as the petals are starting to unfurl. Sure, you can pick them more developed, but the vase life will be less. Many types will develop additional side flowers when the main head is removed.
The main problem with growing sunflowers is dealing with the stalks at the end of the season. The stalks are like an iron post stuck 6 feet into the ground. Most types are too thick to till under, unless you chop at it with an ax for a while. They can’t be just pulled out either … well maybe with a team of horses. You could also chop them down the first year, then interplant between them or next to them, giving them another year to rot away. I spent a few years living in North Dakota, and one of the field crops besides potatoes and sugar beets were sunflowers! Beautiful to see.
The indoor winter markets for the Mankato Farmer’s Market in winding down! March 16th is the next and final Winter Market of this season. The market is located at Bomgaars Supply on Adams Street by Hilltop Hy-Vee, and the market area is located inside the store at the west end. The outdoor market at Best Buy starts May 4th at 8 a.m. Updates and information can be found on our Facebook page — Mankato Farmer’s Market.