Page 108 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2026

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Sunflowers symbolize joy, hope and peace! They are part of the daisy family and there are more than 70 species of sunflowers in the world. They can make a gorgeous addition to your garden and in cut flower arrangements. The seeds, pollen, and nectar from the blooms are essential for helping birds, bees, and other pollinators.
Sunflowers can be pretty easy to grow. You can plant the seed directly in the soil. The plants are drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and they thrive in bright sunlight. You might decide on a favorite based entirely on its looks, or you might also choose a specific sunflower because it matches your end purpose well. Sunflowers help wildlife, remediate soil, and provide oil rich seeds for use in cooking or as a snack.
The typical sunflower season runs through summer and into autumn. Planting sunflowers in July in South Mississippi can provide a continuous flower yield in the fall. July plantings should bloom in September or October—just in time for those stunning fall arrangements!
Since the first frost is usually around late October and November, you will want to plant the sunflowers in early to mid-July. However, note that seeds can be planted as late as the middle of August, but planting them by July ensures better growth.
Because July is hot and dry, make sure the seeds are planted 1 inch deep to retain moisture. If possible, plant seedlings 6 inches apart, with rows roughly 24-26 inches apart (for a field of “sunnies”). Remember to water them regularly. Even though they are drought tolerant, our heat can be brutal, so make sure they have consistent water.
The best sunflowers to grow are perennials. The seeds they produce fall to the ground and grow the next year. Most sunflowers are natural self-sowers (there are some annual types as well). The life-cycle of a sunflower produces up to 2,000 seeds per head, which then drop or are harvested, allowing the cycle of life to continue.
108 | July 2026
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story by Gaye Winter