Wilting sunflower

[mysteryduck]

Five pots, all the same. One sunflower is wilting.. what can I do?

[boatsman]

Stick the wilting plant in a bucket of water for half an hour.

[nickdub]

Five pots, all the same. One sunflower is wilting.. what can I do?

In addition to the water, check the roots if you can, its possible that ants have taken up residence for example.

[mysteryduck]

Ok, so I dug him up and there were no ants. Near soil level however, the stem was weakened. Still tough, but with vertical cuts about an inch long. Inside was very soft. I'm guessing I overwatered him..? I'm struggling with the top of the compost being dry and underneath being wet so this is a possibility.. Happily I have a few more still going strong!

Thanks for the help!

[nickdub]

Ok, so I dug him up and there were no ants. Near soil level however, the stem was weakened. Still tough, but with vertical cuts about an inch long. Inside was very soft. I'm guessing I overwatered him..? I'm struggling with the top of the compost being dry and underneath being wet so this is a possibility.. Happily I have a few more still going strong!

Thanks for the help!

I wouldn't think it was watering that caused the problem with the stem originally - could be a bit of mechanical damage when planting, or possibly pests trying to eat some of it.

[mysteryduck]

I wouldn't think it was watering that caused the problem with the stem originally - could be a bit of mechanical damage when planting, or possibly pests trying to eat some of it.

Thanks! I'll increase my vigilance..

[Scarlet]

What else have you got in those pots? Are you hoping to keep them in those pots during the summer?

[mysteryduck]

What else have you got in those pots? Are you hoping to keep them in those pots during the summer?

A mystery flower from b&q.. I lost the label.. purple, trumpet-like flowers. Very pretty! And yep, was planning on keeping them over the summer.

[Scarlet]

I'd maybe have a rethink - the pots look a little small for sunflowers......they need plenty of water, a sun flowers rootball is pretty big - they will dry out very quickly, you'll be watering at least twice a day. Sunflowers need a good support - you'll find it difficult to keep a cane straight in that pot without it leaning over. Its likely that when the sunflower grows it will become top heavy and will blow over in the wind.

[mysteryduck]

I'd maybe have a rethink - the pots look a little small for sunflowers......they need plenty of water, a sun flowers rootball is pretty big - they will dry out very quickly, you'll be watering at least twice a day. Sunflowers need a good support - you'll find it difficult to keep a cane straight in that pot without it leaning over. Its likely that when the sunflower grows it will become top heavy and will blow over in the wind.

Oh no! But thanks for the tip! I'll see what I can do..