Sunflower Cultivation and Fertilization
The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the most important and widespread oilseed crops, both in Italy and worldwide. It is valued primarily for the production of high-quality edible oil and for its use in the food, livestock, energy, and industrial sectors.
Sunflowers adapt well to different climates and soil types, a characteristic that supports their cultivation even in marginal areas where other crops would be less productive.
They are particularly resilient to drought compared to other summer herbaceous crops, thanks to their deep root system.
Sunflower oil is highly sought after for its health benefits, and its by-products are valuable ingredients for animal feed.
Nutritional Recommendations for Sunflowers
NPK applications are recommended either pre-sowing over the entire field or localized. Phosphorus is essential for its starter effect, and potassium plays a key role in oil formation. Nitrogen is, of course, necessary for vegetative development.
Follow our guidelines for successful sunflower cultivation.
PRODUCT POSITIONING BY PHENOLOGICAL PHASE - TRADITIONAL LINE
PRODUCT POSITIONING BY PHENOLOGICAL PHASE - ORGANIC LINE
Need assistance?
Before sowing, either broadcast or localized, depending on the soil’s nutrient availability, to ensure rapid emergence (starter effect) and optimal plant development. Cerea Blu is a balanced granular compound fertilizer containing highly soluble phosphorus and a high level of potassium—an element absorbed in large quantities by sunflowers. On irrigated or nutrient-poor soils, it is also advisable to apply a top dressing during hoeing or tilling. Cerea Slow 33 provides nitrogen and sulfur available over a long period, ensuring consistent plant nutrition.
Sunflowers have a high demand for boron, which is essential for flowering and achene (seed) formation. In many soils, boron levels are insufficient, so supplementation is recommended to improve yields. B-Power is a product based on boron ethanolamine and humic acids, which enhance its absorption and effectiveness. Applied as a foliar treatment at the 5–6 true leaf stage, it helps reduce flower abortion and consequently increases yield.
In soils rich in organic matter and nutrients, or where sunflowers follow an improving or renewal crop, a starter-effect fertilization at sowing can be used, employing microgranular NP products such as Super Power. In nutrient-poor soils (especially low in phosphorus and potassium) or where sunflowers follow depleting crops, it is recommended to perform base fertilization with a complex granular NPK fertilizer. Cerea Blu provides an optimal ratio of the three key elements for sunflower cultivation.