Sunflowers also known as Helianthus annus scream summer, by their yellow color and the bend towards the sun, one can feel why it’s called sunflowers. If you also have a beautiful sunflower plant in your garden or wish to grow it, you should know about the best sunflower companion plants vegetables to grow.
Know the right sunflower companion plants vegetables
What Sunflower Companion Plants Vegetables?
Most of the plants which need partial shade are compatible with sunflowers by the protection from direct sunlight as tall sunflowers will take the most of it, Also Sunflowers attract pollinators and can therefore enhance pollination for other companion plants too.
Some sunflower companion plants vegetables are-
1. Squash
You can grow some tasty squash varieties as a companion for sunflowers like honey nut squash, gourmet pink banana squash, etc. They can benefit from the partial shade the sunflower provides and the vines of small squashes may use sunflower as a trellis for support.
2. Tomatoes
If you are wondering Can I plant tomatoes next to sunflowers, then absolutely yes, Tomatoes are compatible with sunflowers as sunflowers being a saviour save tomatoes from aphids by attracting them towards themselves.
3. Cucumbers
Do cucumbers like sunflowers? Cucumber companion plants are thankful to it for blocking the harsh rays of sunlight and attracting those insects as traps who are ready and waiting to eat tasty cucumbers.
4. Corn
They are both alike regarding long stalks to take those beneficial nutrients from the soil. If you know about corn, you know pollination can be a little difficult here, Sunflowers can act as supporters in the process by attracting more pollinators.
Sunflower Companion Plants Vegetables
For an aesthetically appealing garden you can grow some flowers to complement the sunflower-
1. Marigolds
Their various shades of red, orange, and yellow contrast with the sunflower and it keeps those harmful pests away that might damage sunflowers.
2. Cosmos
It comes in beautiful pink, white, or dark red color, their combination can increase the chances of pollinators and control of pests.
3. Nasturtiums
Adds a peppery scent to the gardens.
These are some beautiful edible flowers in red, orange or yellow color, placing them at the base of sunflowers can help to protect them from some pest infections.
What is not compatible with sunflowers?
Plants resistant to sunflower allelopathy can be easily planted aside from them but some are also sensitive to it .
What vegetables should not be planted with sunflowers?
1. Beans
They are sensitive to sunflower allelopathic compounds and also need full sunlight to thrive, sadly they are compatible with sunflowers.
2. Alliums
The popular plants of onion, and garlic can be affected by sunflowers in terms of the needed sunlight and inhibition of their growth due to sunflower alleopathy.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):-
Q1. Where to put sunflowers in a vegetable garden?
Ans. Plant the sunflowers where other vegetables need shade, and protection from wind due to sunflowers’ tall height, ensure not to plant them ahead of smaller ones for them to get the light they need.
Q2. Do sunflowers harm other plants?
Ans. Yes if other plants are not allelopathic resistant and since it’s a heavy feeder it can pose competition for other plants’ needs.
Q3. What is the best plant food for sunflowers?
Ans. The best plant food with no doubt can be a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer in the growing season.
Q4. What are sunflowers attracted to for the best growth?
Ans. Some factors can undoubtedly be sun, water, and pollinators.
Q5. What to plant after sunflowers for ease?
Ans. As the soil is rich, grow plants like beans.
Q6. What are some Sunflower Companion Plants Vegetables that protect each other?
Ans. Go for plants like beans , peas, and sunflowers for increasing pest control.
Q7. What can be Maximilian Sunflower Companion Plants Vegetables to protect each other from pests?
Ans. Some native grasses can be great companions for maximilian sunflowers.
Q8. Can Zinnias and sunflowers grow together or not?
Ans. Yes, why not, both need sunlight and a beautiful combination when placed together.
