Peredovik Sunflower

Peredovik sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a high-yielding, oilseed sunflower variety commonly used for wildlife food plots, forage, and oil production. It produces large seeds that attract a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Its robust growth and easy management make it an excellent choice for providing nutritious food sources for wildlife throughout the year.

Benefits for Wildlife

✔ High-protein seeds for birds, squirrels, and small mammals.
✔ Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects such as bees.
✔ Drought-tolerant once established, providing a reliable food source in challenging conditions.
✔ Large, dense flower heads provide abundant seed for wildlife consumption.
✔ Attractive to a variety of birds, including finches, doves, and quail.

Planting Guidelines for Peredovik Sunflower

• Planting Times:

  • Spring (April–June) – Plant after the last frost for optimal growth.

• Seeding Depth:

  • 1 to 1.5 inches deep – Deeper planting may delay germination or reduce emergence.

• Seeding Rates:

  • Drilled: 15–20 lbs per acre in well-prepared seedbeds.
  • Broadcast: 25–30 lbs per acre, followed by light cultipacking.

• Days to Maturity:

  • 75–90 days for full maturity, depending on growing conditions and climate.

• Height at Maturity:

  • Typically reaches 6–10 feet tall, with large, bright yellow flower heads.

• Drought Tolerance:

  • Moderate to High – Peredovik sunflowers are drought-tolerant once established, but they prefer consistent moisture during germination and early growth.

• Saturated Soil Tolerance:

  • Low – Sunflowers require well-drained soil and do not tolerate prolonged waterlogging.

• Shade Tolerance:

  • Low – Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.

Fertilization Guidelines for Peredovik Sunflower

• Soil pH: Prefers a soil pH of 6.0–7.5 for optimal growth.

• Nitrogen (N):

  • Sunflowers require moderate levels of nitrogen to support healthy growth and seed production.
  • Apply 40–60 lbs of nitrogen per acre at planting or during early growth.

• Phosphorus (P) & Potassium (K):

  • Apply 30–60 lbs of phosphorus (P₂O₅) and 40–80 lbs of potassium (K₂O) based on soil tests.
  • Sunflowers require adequate phosphorus and potassium to promote healthy root development and seed production.

Fertilization Timing:

• Apply phosphorus and potassium before planting based on soil test recommendations.
• Split nitrogen applications if needed to support continuous growth, especially during the flowering period.

Herbicide Use for Peredovik Sunflower

• Weed Management:

  • Effective weed control is essential in the early stages of growth to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

• Pre-emergence Herbicides:

  • Prowl (Pendimethalin) – Controls annual grasses and small broadleaf weeds.
  • Sonalan (Ethafluralin) – Provides broad-spectrum control without harming sunflowers.

• Post-emergence Herbicides:

  • Basagran (Bentazon) – Controls broadleaf weeds after emergence, safe for sunflowers.
  • Poast (Sethoxydim) – Controls grasses without damaging sunflowers.

Key Considerations:

• Mowing or cultivation during early stages can help control weeds.
• Avoid using 2,4-D, as it can damage sunflowers, especially during early growth stages.