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Sunflower (Black Oil)

Description

Sunflower is renowned for its extensive and prolific root system and its ability to soak up residual nutrients out of reach for other commonly used covers or crops. This species can also take advantage of short growing seasons in case of damaging hail or poor emergence to cash crops. If planning to harvest for oil or seed or simply to attract birds, sunflowers have very similar planting and harvesting methods to that of corn. Because insects are attracted to the bright colors of sunflower heads, pollinators and beneficials such as bees, damsel bugs, lacewings, hoverflies, minute pirate bugs, and non-stinging parasitoid wasps are often found in fields of sunflower and in following crops. Sunflowers also work very well in cover crop cocktails/mixtures. With rapid early season establishment, additional covers under the canopy that normally don’t grow under cool conditions can begin to take advantage of warmer and favorable weather when sunflowers are growing slower. With upright growth and anchored plants in the soil, surrounding vining/climbing cover crop plants can support their own growth by working their way up to reach sunlight thereby providing the structure they need to grow. Because sunflowers can add significant biomass production in just a short growing season, they can also serve as additional forage or silage for livestock feed.

Sunflower (Black Oil)

Product form

$1,440.00

from $0.90 per lb

Free pickup in our shop(s)

Drilled Seeding Rate:8 - 12 lbs/acre
Broadcast Seeding Rate:15 - 25 (with incorporation) lbs/acre
Min Germ Temp:39 °F
Cold Kill Temp:28 °F

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    Description

    Sunflower is renowned for its extensive and prolific root system and its ability to soak up residual nutrients out of reach for other commonly used covers or crops. This species can also take advantage of short growing seasons in case of damaging hail or poor emergence to cash crops. If planning to harvest for oil or seed or simply to attract birds, sunflowers have very similar planting and harvesting methods to that of corn. Because insects are attracted to the bright colors of sunflower heads, pollinators and beneficials such as bees, damsel bugs, lacewings, hoverflies, minute pirate bugs, and non-stinging parasitoid wasps are often found in fields of sunflower and in following crops. Sunflowers also work very well in cover crop cocktails/mixtures. With rapid early season establishment, additional covers under the canopy that normally don’t grow under cool conditions can begin to take advantage of warmer and favorable weather when sunflowers are growing slower. With upright growth and anchored plants in the soil, surrounding vining/climbing cover crop plants can support their own growth by working their way up to reach sunlight thereby providing the structure they need to grow. Because sunflowers can add significant biomass production in just a short growing season, they can also serve as additional forage or silage for livestock feed.

    Basic Info

    N Fix Potential None
    Seeds/lb 8000
    C/N at Maturity High
    Growth Habit Upright
    Root Type/Depth Deep Taproot
    Cold Kill 28 °F
    Dry Matter Potential 2 - 3 tons/acre

    Use & Characteristics

    Maturity 90 - 110 days
    Lasting Residue Fair
    Palatability Very Good
    Hay Harvest Poor
    Regrowth Poor
    Deep Compaction Excellent
    Surface Compaction Very Good
    Weed Suppression Good
    Crimp Kill Easy

    Planting

    Plant Depth 1 - 2"
    Min Germ Temp 39 °F
    Drilled Seed Rate 8 - 12 lbs/acre
    Broadcast Seed Rate 15 - 25 (with incorporation) lbs/acre
    When is the right time to plant?

    Sunflower (Black Oil) has a minimum germination temp of 39 °F. Reference your average soil temperature to determine ideal planting time.
    Read this article for more info:
    When Can I Start Planting?

    Tolerance

    Heat Very Good
    Drought Good
    Shade Poor
    Wet Soil Poor
    Low Fertility Good
    Low pH Soil Good
    High pH Salinity Good
    High pH Calcareous Very Good

    Not all seed is created equal

    We take pride in growing, sourcing, cleaning, and shipping all of our products to the highest standards.

    • We contract grow over 60% of the seed we sell with a network of growers across the USA.
    • We store our seed using automated systems that maintain optimum temperature and mositure levels to ensure excellent germination.
    • We test our seed every 6 months to ensure the highest quality and consistency for all the products we ship. 
    • We ship to all 50 states and several Canadian provinces. We always strive to offer the most cost-effective and timely deliver as possible.

    We walk with you

    Cover crops can be tricky, even scary at times, but we provide you the support you need for every step of this journey.

    Drawing upon our team’s expertise and experience, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers and soil health researchers to produce a bounty of free, educational resources. Each year, we release the Soil Health Resource Guide, webinar series, conferences, field days and more in order to help you to make informed decisions about your soils.

    And our expert sales team is always standing by and ready to help you with your cover crop questions.

    Faith Based, Farmer Built, Family Owned

    Like many farmers, faith and family go hand in hand with the day to day operations. We built our company to help people regenerate God’s creation to be enjoyed for many generations after us. Together with our family and employees, we’ve built this dream, and we’re all here to serve you and watch your soil health dreams become a reality.

    Customer Reviews

    Based on 1 review
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    R
    R.R.
    Clean seads

    Not empty shells that I noticed and got about 95 percent germination.

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