We offer volume discounts for orders over $5,000. Call us at (402) 469-6784 or contact us here.

Sunflower (Black Oil Seed)

    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 Seed)

      Product form

      $37.50

      Free pickup in our shop(s)

      Seeding Rate: 8 - 12 lbs per acre.

        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.

        When is the right time to plant?

        Sunflower (Black Oil Seed) 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?

        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 lbs/acre

        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.

        Recently viewed products

        © 2024 Green Cover, Powered by Shopify

          • American Express
          • Diners Club
          • Discover
          • Mastercard
          • Visa

          Login

          Forgot your password?

          Don't have an account yet?
          Create account