Planting sunflower seed bakery kernels: at the right time is half the battle won. Many farmers experience uneven germination, many empty pods, and low yields, often not due to variety or water and fertilizer issues, but rather because they didn’t plant at the right time. Today, we’ll thoroughly explain spring/summer sowing, the optimal time for different regions across the country, temperature thresholds, and sowing details. Follow these guidelines for strong germination, large flower heads, and high oil yield.
First and foremost, remember the golden temperature line for sunflower sowing. Regardless of whether it’s in the north or south, or whether you’re sowing in spring or summer, first check the soil temperature: a stable soil temperature of ≥8-10℃ for 4-5 consecutive days is the starting point for safe sowing. Temperatures below 8℃ can easily cause seed rot and slow germination; late spring frosts can damage seedlings, so it’s better to delay sowing by 3-5 days rather than rushing into cold conditions.
1. National Regional Optimal Sowing Schedule (Direct Reference)
Spring Sowing (Preferred in Major Producing Areas, Higher Yield)
Northeast/Inner Mongolia/Xinjiang: Mid-April to Mid-May, Mulching can be started as early as early April
North China (Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong, Henan): Early April to Late April
Northwest (Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia): Early April to Early May
South (Yangtze River Basin and South): Mid-March to Early April, Avoiding the Plum Rain Season
Summer Sowing (Successive Planting, Second Crop)
Huang-Huai-Hai/North China: Mid-June to Late June, No Later Than July 10
Northwest Drylands: Early June to Mid-June, Avoiding Hot and Dry Winds During Flowering Period
South: Early June to Early July, Preventing Potting Rot Due to High Temperatures and Heavy Rains
Mnemonic: Spring sowing depends on soil temperature, summer sowing avoids high temperatures; early sowing is better in the North, steady sowing is better in the South.
2. Spring Sowing vs. Summer Sowing: Which is More Cost-Effective?
Spring Sowing
Growth period of 90-105 days, with ample sunlight, fewer diseases, fuller grains, and higher oil yield, making it suitable for main production and selling commercial seeds.
Risks: Late spring frosts, underground pests.
Summer Sowing
Growth period of 80-95 days, saving water and labor, suitable for post-wheat replanting and crop rotation.
Risks: High temperatures affect pollination, and heavy rains can cause seed tray rot.
Recommendation: If irrigation is available → Spring sowing; If dryland replanting → Summer sowing.
3. Sowing Practice: 3 Details Determine Germination Rate
1 Sowing Depth: Shallow sowing is preferable to deep sowing, 2-4 cm; soil moisture difference can reach 5 cm, but deep sowing easily leads to suffocation of germination.
2 Density: Row spacing 60 cm, plant spacing 25-30 cm, maintaining 3600-4200 plants per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares). For machine sowing, use 0.4-0.5 kg of seed per mu.
3 Soil Moisture: It’s better to keep the soil slightly dry than waterlogged; pre-emergence weed control can be applied after sowing.
4. Avoid these pitfalls: Don’t sow in these 3 situations:
Sowing before the soil temperature has stabilized will result in rotten seeds and poor seedling emergence;
Sowing too late in summer will lead to early frost during the grain-filling stage, resulting in underdeveloped grains;
Continuous cropping will cause disease outbreaks and significant yield reductions.
In summary, there is no “universal date” for sunflower sowing; only the optimal window for the appropriate region: in the north, spring sowing is April-May and summer sowing is mid-June; in the south, spring sowing is March-April and summer sowing is June-July. When the soil temperature is consistently above 10℃, shallow sowing to conserve moisture will ensure full seedling emergence.
For those planning to plant sunflowers this year, first measure the soil temperature, then determine the sowing date. With the right seeds and scientific management, high and stable yields are achievable.
Media Contact
Company Name: Tianjin Beauty Food Co., Ltd.
Email: Send Email
Country: China
Website: https://www.beautyfoodcn.com/