Gardeners are being urged to grow one flower this month that will bring “bright joy” to their outdoor space this summer. Experts say it’s the perfect time to sow the flower that takes little effort to grow.
As the spring comes to an end, gardens up and down the UK are starting to come to life. May is the best time to get outside and get your garden prepared for a summer of colourful flowers and plants. However, it can sometimes be difficult to have the time to focus on your garden so experts have shared one flower which is simple to grow.
Sunflower seeds can be sown at this time of year and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. They are popular amongst beginner gardeners due to their ease of cultivation.
Arthur Parkinson, who runs the Grow a Spectacular Garden in Pots on Create Academy, said: “Sunflowers are very fast to grow seeds so you can sow them until the end of June. Multi-headed smaller branching varieties will give the best visuals to a garden with their heads fading into natural bird feeders as their seeds ripen.”
Sunflowers also come in a range of sizes and colours. They give gardeners a host of options depending on the style of their outdoor space.
Andrew White, gardening expert at Rhino Greenhouses, added: “These glorious crowns give bright joy to any garden in the summer months. Sunflowers are a firm family favourite because of how easy they are to grow, and how impressively they shoot up.
“Now that we’re into May, seeds can be sown straight into the flower bed – just pick a spot that’s a little sheltered from the wind, and be ready with a bamboo cane to support it as it grows.”
Sunflowers can be sown straight into the ground this month before they flower in August. It’s important to make sure your growing space is weed-free beforehand.
They will quickly become a focal point of your garden with their tall and strong stems. Sunflowers also produce beautfiul and cheerful blossoms which will no doubt brighten up your outdoor space.
They can grow between five and 12 feet tall. As well as pollinators, sunflowers also bring birds to your garden who like to eat the seeds.