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Sunflower Seeding Depth
Recommended maximum seeding depths for sunflower are dependant on seed size and are as follows:
3 inches for # 2 size seed
2 1/2 inches for # 3 and 4 size seed
2 inches for # 5 size seed
Time to maximum emergence will increase as planting depth increases. Deeper planting depths will increase days to flowering but generally will not effect seed weight, plant height, yield, or seed oil concentration.
Higher seeding rates than normal are recommended when seeding deep. If rain is received and a crust is formed, deep seeded plants will have a particularly difficult time breaking through the crust. Harrowing the crust before the emerging seedlings reach to within one half inch of the soil surface will improve emergence. Percent emergence will decrease as planting depth increases especially for smaller seed sizes. Generally, one can expect at least a twenty percent stand loss when planting large seed ( #2 ) 3-4 inches deep.
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