Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Growing => General Gardening => Topic started by: FCG on January 25, 2009, 20:08
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Grow a Sunflower contest 2009
The idea is to grow at least 2 each one being Wiko's own sunflower seed and one 'variety' of your choosing. Go with 2 Wilkinson if you like. I'll rig a poll together at the end of the year with everyone's photographs and we can vote for the winner of 'Best in Show'. We'll also see who's got the greatest height as well.
This post will be used as the 'update page' on size, people competing etc.
The current contenders are:
FCG
Shaun
AndyRVTR
garddwr
SnooziSuzi
richyrich7
poultrygeist
Parsnip
tam
mumofstig
Matron
MoreWhisky
Yabba
tallulah
Yorkie1
Carrottcruncher
DD.
Neal
horsepooisgood
matthew2riches
redfig
Bombers
digalotty (and skye)
crabstickuk
tillytup & Megan
Faz
Billy251
IsleworthTW7
cathangirl
wellybabe
pol and mick
Celery
pumpkinpatch
ropster
Beetroot queen
Rangerkris (bwahahhahaha)
Riala
green fingers
Pumpkins Plot
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OP: I'm throwing down the gauntlet to all you 'so called' flower growers :D You're all rubbish compared to my ol' sunflower tricks. You'll never come anywhere near me with your pansy's.. you pansy's.
So who is up for a spot of competition this year with growing sunflowers? Anyone on here grow big ones year on year if so, want to share your tips and tricks?
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ok your on mate,are we talking height or size of flower head ?
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mine only ever get to about 8' tall :roll:
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I've never grown one before but i'll take up the challenge :D :D
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Shaun it's height all the way. You grow any old seed or specialist?
Snoozi, what was your biggest?
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just any old seed will do pal ,trust me :wink: :lol:
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I'll try as well then.
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I'll have a shot - my biggest ever was in 2006 at 8', but the heads were small. Last year I grew one which got to about 6.5' but the head was huge!!
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Whipper snapper :lol:
Count me in :D
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I'm already on board. :)
Mine's reached 3ft since yesterday and I'm hoping for a golden goose when I climb it. :wink:
(off to google for tips :twisted: )
Rob 8)
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Great idea!!!!!
When do you plant them? I'll have a go... :D
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Got some tips on starting them off, location, soil type and feeding. Got a position in mind. See you in late summer with an 8 metre tape measure :wink:
Rob 8)
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I've got some seeds called Russian Giant (sounds promising) how early do you start them to get giant ones?
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Got some tips on starting them off, location, soil type and feeding. Got a position in mind. See you in late summer with an 8 metre tape measure :wink:
Rob 8)
Plenty of muck 'n a big hole is my approach. Keeping the hens off will help no end as well :roll:
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Them's the ones ! :)
Apparently you can start them indoors in a dark, warm place (airing cupboard), as soon as they germinate move them to a warm, very bright windowsill and only plant out after the last frost or with a cloche over.
Feed liquid fertilizer sparingly. They like full sun, low wind, rich soil and don't like disturbance. Stakes will be required.
Bon chance.
Rob 8)
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I'll have a go as well..................nothing better to do :lol: :lol: :lol:
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sow them now outside about 18" deep :wink:
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sow them now outside about 18" deep :wink:
And put a slab over the top to keep 'em warm.
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Look for var. American Giant Hybrid :shock:
Cheers Shaun. Will they know which to grow from that depth ?
Rob 8)
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sow them now outside about 18" deep :wink:
And put a slab over the top to keep 'em warm.
how did you know that ? and take the slab off around mid july to give them a head start :wink:
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No no no you two you have it all wrong.
Boiling the seeds before you plant them is the best way to make them grow quicker.
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I'm going to keep them covered in the day and only uncover at night.
Rob 8)
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I'm going to keep them covered in the day and only uncover at night.
Rob 8)
thats just being silly rob :roll:
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They're best sown in the middle of a nettle patch too. They develop a symbiotic relationship.
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I'm going to keep them covered in the day and only uncover at night.
Rob 8)
thats just being silly rob :roll:
I read it somewhere. I think.
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Russian Giant? I'm looking at sunzilla, california greystripe and mammoth.
Just trying to pick my best spot at the moment in my garden for full sun.
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Russian Giant? I'm looking at sunzilla, california greystripe and mammoth.
Just trying to pick my best spot at the moment in my garden for full sun.
they sound like wrestlers :? i'm going to grow yellow ones 8)
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Best thing is to take one of each variety and crush them up together then sprinkle the powder onto the bare earth.
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Best thing is to take one of each variety and crush them up together then sprinkle the powder onto the bare earth.
only on a full moon though and you must do it naked or it wont work :wink:
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always :D
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On a serious note, what support system are you going to use?
I'm going to use last years dried 8-10ft stems. :D
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I was just reading that dried stems go very woody and make good firewood.
I'll have to buy a couple of stakes and run a wire between. I hope to grow a block of them for good measure.
ROb 8)
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I saved last years to turn into compost. They are full of some mineral if i remember rightly; I think potassium is the one.
I'm tempted to grow mine next to a wall. Good for the warmth next to the air brick from the house... does this class as cheating? :D
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. does this class as cheating? :D
How do we know ? you started the comp :lol:
Mine will be against a giant redwood 8)
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Roughly what date should the nakid stinging nettle (ouch :shock: ) planting under the full moon take place?
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Tam if you visit a fortune teller they could read your palm and tell you :D
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Roughly what date should the nakid stinging nettle (ouch :shock: ) planting under the full moon take place?
If you start about mid-june, it should ensure you get to about the 2nd leaves by the time we all finish. :) ...obviously this doesn't allow for the time spent in custody :wink:
Another one sorted
Rob 8)
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You lot are so silly. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
We grow a couple of sunflowers and we usually manage to get them to nearly 10ft wind allowing. :shock:
When will measuring take place? Ours aren't usually fully grown until about September.
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You've just answered the question Matron :D
I guess it would be unfair to set an earlier date due to seasonal differences. Someone on the south coast might get a longer season than in the Highlands so it needs to be left until growth has stopped. :)
Rob 8)
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Ooh good, we'll give it go. I'm off to find me seeds. :lol:
Now then, I need to dig an 18'' hole and get one of them slab things and am I allowed to keep me kn*****rs on? Now, when is the next full moon. :shock: :oops: :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Shaun has to come round and witness it Matron. He has special powers invested in him by the order of the tight lycra.
Rob 8)
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This all sounds like fun, will have ago myself looking forward to all the pics later in there yr.
O and does anyone know the price of scaffolding :lol:
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I've got an access tower in the shed. goes up to about 16 feet :wink:
I'll just about reach up to the top to measure it by July then leave it grow the rest of the way. :tongue2:
Rob 8)
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He has special powers invested in him by the order of the tight lycra.
*shudders*
Yer all gonna be gutted when I win though :D
Â¥
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I've got an access tower in the shed. goes up to about 16 feet :wink:
)
i will need 2 of them 8)
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Shaun has to come round and witness it Matron. He has special powers invested in him by the order of the tight lycra.
Rob 8)
it will be like a carry on film with kenneth williams and Hattie Jacques,
"carry on in the greenhouse" :lol:
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I've got an access tower in the shed. goes up to about 16 feet :wink:
)
i will need 2 of them 8)
One for each side of the bollards when you cement yer van in next ? :roll:
Seriously folks, last one was higher than next doors gutters, you've got nooooooo chance, give up now :|
Mind you, there house is subsiding, and we're on the low side ....
Â¥
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Seriously folks, last one was higher than next doors gutters, you've got nooooooo chance, give up now :|
did you say next door was a bungalow yabba ? :wink:
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ahh, no, but I may have posted a picture :tongue2:
Â¥
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Nah, they are posh and they put gutters on the kennel :D
I'm hoping to grow one large enough to tidy from my upstairs bedroom window. So, if i get 13+ feet (tis possible with a good season). I have to shell out on good seed however.
Anyone got any pictures of their old ones? Post them here.
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:D
It's good to see such laid back posts from losers :D
Â¥
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I have NEVER grown a sunflower before. This will be my very first attempt.
I'm going to prepare some ground tomorrow if I get a chance.
Have to see if I can find any dead wildlife to bury at the base of it. As well as my super-enriched compost. :)
Rob 8)
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ROB! I'm disgusted with your suggestion that you'd bury dead animals at the bottom. Don't you know that you need to grind them first for DIY B,F&B? I suggest you add some mackerel to the hole as well so we can get your cats to dig the sunflowers up for us!
On a serious note does anyone have their own 'special' formulas they use when growing?
Shaun concrete doesn't count.
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I've decided to grow one next to the chicken run, there's that much manure there it'll probably block the flight path for EMA :lol:
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hope they compost well for u lot :lol:
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I've decided to grow one next to the chicken run, there's that much manure there it'll probably block the flight path for EMA :lol:
Won't the hens be able to peck at it ? :blush:
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Garddwr i can say quite truthfully once you have them out of jumping range they leave them quite alone. It's just a battle to get them big enough first. Rich how many hens do you have?
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Having inspected my compost, I'm going to have to leave it to stew for a while longer. Too many unrotted bits in it.
So I'll have to get in some stuff. I have my name on a huge pile of 'ossmuck from freecycle but need to find out if it's pesticide free.
Then it'll be thrown liberally around the garden with gay abandon.
Might have to grow something fast sprouting to test it for safety.
Rob 8)
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Garddwr i can say quite truthfully once you have them out of jumping range they leave them quite alone. It's just a battle to get them big enough first. Rich how many hens do you have?
Only 4 for now, I'd like some more but I'm torn between eggs for hatching or POL both have their +'s :unsure:
I'm more worried about the bloomin squirrel playing lumber jack when it get's to 20' + ;)
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I'll be growing my usual ones, they're quite specialised and in fact not widely available, but are known as Martian Monsters, due to their incredible size and reddish hue. I usually plant them next to the pylons in the village - they're kind of picturesque. Sorry guys but if I enter with my MMs, I'll be winning! :) :tongue2: :)
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Right that does it im going to use my contacts from MAFF just outside York to see if they have any GM ones in stock.
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Do you think it would cross with a bindweed ?
Straight up 50' by the end of May ???
Rob 8)
ps. I've bought a generic packet from Wilkos for 50p as a control. Now I need to find the Goliath Godzilla Mammoth Giant variety.
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I've just sown 5 of the wilkos seeds in paper pots in the greenhouse now.
I have the same seeds as you Rob but I got mine for 25p !! :)
I'll have to get hold on some big varietys as well but it will be interesting to see what the wilkos ones are like and what the germination will be like.
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I'm hanging fire on the sowing for a couple fo weeks. They show outdoor sowing from March on but there's some pretty cold weather coming in which may or may not linger.
I'm going to use the heated propogator for them and give them an early boost. Need to source a good liquid feed too. That's what makes them big or gigantic.
Rob 8)
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Well i got my seeds in Lidl today says they grow 2-3 metres :) we'll see................. :unsure:
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Well I've rifled my seed tins and can't find one sonflower seed ::) suppose I'm going to have to buy some :blink: Any way mine will go in the heated propergator along with my chilli's and peppers, must get a few Tom's off int he next day or two and the onions
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Well I've rifled my seed tins and can't find one sonflower seed ::) suppose I'm going to have to buy some :blink:
I hear Wilko's sell seed quite cheaply ;) :D
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Well I've rifled my seed tins and can't find one sonflower seed ::) suppose I'm going to have to buy some :blink:
I hear Wilko's sell seed quite cheaply ;) :D
:tongue2: :lol: :lol:
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Here is an idea - how about we all grow at least 2 different varieties. One of Wilko's own generic and another of our own choosing?
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I haven't enough room for any more :(
Already puzzled about where to put the ones i've bought :wacko:
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I'll horrify you all by saying I plan to grow sunflowers to cut for the house this year. Wouldn't it be funny if I get a mahogany 16-footer? :tongue2:
I'm sure you'll all be laughing at me as I sweep up pollen from the old-fashioned sorts!
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I'll horrify you all by saying I plan to grow sunflowers to cut for the house this year. Wouldn't it be funny if I get a mahogany 16-footer? :tongue2:
I'm sure you'll all be laughing at me as I sweep up pollen from the old-fashioned sorts!
The smaller ones make lovely cut flowers, my OH like the "Teddy Bear" ones the best.
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Well i have never grown them but what the heck i will take up the challenge..
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Good for you carrot cruncher.
Good solid soil in swindon. We used to live there and had a nice lake on the back lawn every time it rained !
But fertile and once the roots are in, they won't fall over :)
I have access to some lovely rotted poultry manure and may get some rotted horse muck too. If they don't go beyond the world record, I'll be disappointed. :wub:
Rob 8)
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Check the OP for the contenders folks.
I severely hope nobody has panted before this weekend.
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I severely hope nobody has panted before this weekend.
Well I was a little out of breath on Friday :lol:
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mine are up and away :tongue2:
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Shaun the bamboo sticks are not counted in the height you know.
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Shaun the bamboo sticks are not counted in the height you know.
just admit it mike you are a tadge worried ;)
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With all these tall stories going round i can't resist the chalenge.
Count me in
Neal :D
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Shaun the bamboo sticks are not counted in the height you know.
just admit it mike you are a tadge worried ;)
Pah mine are 3' high already. ;)
.... on the shelf in the packet :tongue2:
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just admit it mike you are a tadge worried ;)
Worried about your sanity, yes.
Still formulating my attempt so far.
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Stick me down.
I could do with another wooden spoon for stirring.
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Better have a go as well, now any one know where I can hire a tower crane from.... :tongue2:
Serious question, will I have to notify air traffic control at Luton airport and will they have to have them flashing light things on :ohmy:
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mine are going to be so big i will have to grow them on there sides ;)
4 leaves now by the way 8)
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Have they broken through the concrete capping ok ??
I'm feeding mine on rump steak and pro-biotic yoghurt. It's an old native American method. Once the flower buds form, you have to switch to a liquid feed of valium and Carling black label.
I read it in an old book I found in a junk shop.
"Growing giant sunflowers the Native American way" I think it was called.
Or did I dream it ?
Rob :unsure:
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i'm just using bullpoo ;)
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I'm trying to find some 'oss poo locally. Loads of stables but they don't answer their phones. I have a trailer and a shovel at the ready. ::)
Do farmers stack their manure to rot like stables do or do they have to have it carted off as hazardous waste ??
There's one or two farms in these parts i could try also.
Rob 8)
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any farmer will be glad to get rid of his manure this time of year(dont forget the herbice thingy) mine is pig manure actually
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I'm not used to these country ways. ;)
Have to have a scout round.
Rob
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you dont need a shovel and trailer,what you need is one of these rob 8)
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o152/shaungill/th_muckvid.jpg) (http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o152/shaungill/?action=view¤t=muckvid.flv)
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:lol:
I'll send you my address. ;)
Thursday's good for me ::)
ROb 8)
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That's how I get mine but we don't need the pick up! Farmer comes with tractor bucket full and tips over the wall. Grew some amazing lettuces at the edge of the pile last year.
In fact I must go and ask for a top up. :D :D
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How long do they usualy take to germinate in a cold greenhouse ?
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I'm not used to these country ways. ;)
Have to have a scout round.
Rob
I think that according to the Children & Young Person's Act of 2008, it's actually illegal to use Scouts as compost.
There is a loophole whereby you can use Girl Guides, but you have to be quick before they close it.
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Do they rot down quickly ?
As long as they help to break down the veg peelings inside the compo bin. :blink:
Rob
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Cubs rot quicker :nowink:
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I'll stick with the manure. It's cleaner ! ???
Rob 8)
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I thought Beavers rotted fastest?
:D
Seriously now - i hope everyone has got their Wilko's packet of seed and 'personal choice'
Front page post has been updated.
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Off to Moreton Park tommorow. Which variety would you recommend ?
Thanks
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Annie passed some on to me and I've got some T&M Russian Giant as my main hope.
Still need to gamble when best to start them off. I might have to make up a cloche or even mini-greenhouse frame effort to get them in the ground early. I'm guessing they take about a month from sowing to planting out ?
Rob 8)
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I'm waiting till... not going to tell you that!
Still haven't ordered my 'special' yet. Will do it this weekend.
Edit: AGH
I cant find a UK distributer of the seed i want, may have to make do with some Russian Giant from T&M.
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A couple of things.
I have a packet of T & M "Russian Giant" if someone wants some freebies, got them free with an offer, but don't need 60! Just PM me, not bothered about postage only thing I'd like in return is a couple of Wilco's seed to save me going into town.
Secondly, by the power invested in me, I've turned this "sticky" as I'm sure it's going to get regular updates.
I promise not to doctor any seeds I send!
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Agh! Timing DD; i've only just gone and ordered some Russian giant from Amazon for £3. Ah well never mind.
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£3 - you wuz robbed! Even T & M only charge £1.79. (Got them with a £5 voucher anyway).
Thanks for the offer, I may well take it up, but I'll see if anyone want to do a direct swapsie first.
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I wasn't robbed - would of cost me 10p more to order just the seeds from T&M with postage and packaging. That £3 (more like £2.80) includes P&P.
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Buy something else you need - or will need - at the same time!
(They keep sending me £5 vouchers for some reason, so I'm happy!).
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Buy something else you need - or will need - at the same time!
(They keep sending me £5 vouchers for some reason, so I'm happy!).
I keep losing those! I must keep an eye on these T&M catalogues. I usually ignore them and use only the real seed one for anything special. Oh and the passive-aggressive pamphlets saying no more catalogues if you don't order something are hilarious.
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The latest arrival is their spring plant & bulb catalogue with £16.65 worth (their price), of begonia tubers free with each order.
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Sunflower swapsies sorted with Neal, but if anyone wants some Russian Giant, still have some spare.
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If i allow my sunflowers to bend over now they are at the roof of the greenhouse, will they straighten again when I put them outside later? :D
I suppose I could dig out the floor to lower that but it seems a lot of work. :wacko:
Your advice will be digested and then probably discarded but lets hear it ::)
Thanks in anticipation
Mark
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Your advice will be digested and then probably discarded but lets hear it ::)
Thanks in anticipation
Mark
Put seed in pot.
Water.
Plant out.
Rain comes.
Flower grows.
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DD :D
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It's pretty much the same for most things.
Here's how to do outdoor tomatoes...
Put seed in pot.
Water.
Plant out.
Rain comes.
Blight comes.
Go to Tesc*.
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Dave, did you miss out sunshine for a reason? ::)
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Don't remember any of that?!?!?!
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Blimey, down the M1 in bedfordshire it shone brightly, I remember cos I got my Foster Grants out twice, once for 11 minutes and once for 9 minutes so it wasn't that bad 8)
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Went to Wales a few times last year to visit daughter - so probably missed it!
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I'm in
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We've been rummaging through the archives looking for photos of something else and came across this from about 1995. Not sure what height it eventually got to, or even if we measured it.
(Quality not the best - no digital cameras in those days!)
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That's all very impressive Dave, but we all know you're only 4'6" tall ::)
Same with that 'big' fish you caught. That was only a tiddler really ;)
btw. Nice legs ! :D :D
Rob 8)
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btw. Nice legs !
Well someone had to say it :lol:
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Oh heck.
Forgot I was scantily clad.
Just remembered the postings the last one of me in shorts prompted.
FRUITFULL - DON'T LOOK AT THIS THREAD!!!!
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Go on. You love it really !! :D
Do we all have to post evidence in late summer up a ladder in shorts ?? And what if we don't have a ladder in our shorts ??
I need to buy a new tape measure. Mine only goes up to 16'.
Rob 8)
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Found another.
Same spot, different sunflower.
Mrs Digger is 15' tall.
Hold on - problem. Upload folder is full. May have to resort to Photomuckit.
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Here it is....
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/G4IAR/DSCF0796.jpg)
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Not bad for a seedling ::)
I see you had those vandals round with their white emulsion >:( They get everywhere :ohmy:
Rob
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Not bad for a seedling ::)
I see you had those vandals round with their white emulsion >:( They get everywhere :ohmy:
Rob
Yeah - have you seen what they did to the fence since the last photo?
Not only that - they left another greenhouse behind!
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They want locking away !! :mad:
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I'd go with a community sentence.
More new fences & greenhouse to erect for the elderly.
Like me.
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Those vandals with
greenhouse to erect for the elderly
can you send them down to me please. Be welcome here :lol:
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Those vandals with
greenhouse to erect for the elderly
can you send them down to me please. Be welcome here :lol:
Ask your son to do it!!! :D :D :D
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Ask your son to do it!!!
:lol: :lol: :tongue2: :lol: :lol:
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We need to get like the Amish in regards to greenhouse erecting. Have a 'greenhouse rasing' instead of a barn raising. Lots of moonshine whisky to boot!
Anyone planted indoors yet?
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Go on then. I am up for it.
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I keep looking at my packets but I'm resisting so far. Brought the heated propogator in from the shed. I'm going to try a multi-sowing tactic. Some indoors, some direct, some in pots in teh greenhouse, etc.
Rob 8)
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OMG!! I've just hit on the winning formula - why didn't I think of it last year, when the Martian Monsters only got to 15'? I'm really excited now - I just know I'm gonna win :D :D (Sings - 'There's NO business like SHOWbusiness tra la - doing the cancan etc).
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*, yer gonna make me go and buy some seed now just to prove y'all have no chance of winning? Last time I tried they grew higher than next doors gutters ( easiest reference point ).
The fact that next door is a bungalow like us shouldn't encourage you in the slightest. Use the space for something productive instead :|
Â¥
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MY Russian giants arrived today.... get ready to rumble!
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Hi
I would love to jion in the growing sunflowers for competition,
have a great week
andrew
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A friend of mine, a dairy farmer, grows turnips as a feed crop for when grass get short in the summer. He asked the contractor to mix in 15Kg of sunflower seeds so the cows had a variety and it makes the paddocks look attractive. The sunflowers have taken over and the turnips are shaded out and not growing very well at all. He told the contractor that he had made a mistake but the reply was'Check your e-mail order and confirmation"
150KG of sunflower seeds to be mixed with turnips. :ohmy:
The tourists are stopping and taking photos 'cos it looks so spectacular.
coatesi
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:D ..caveat emptor ! :)
I went to Western France on holiday several years ago and the fields of sunflowers were spectacular. I could have stared at them for hours.
My ambitions are inspired by them, though I may need to scale down the quantities slightly.
Rob 8)
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Coatesi i would really appreciate it if you can get a photo of that up!!
All hotting up here. I just need to get some compost in and i'm away.
redfig you're now on the list.
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Gwaan Then, I'll have a go! ::) :)
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digalotty wants in, and my daughter baby digalotty (aka skye) and thats where my sunflowers gonna be.
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Hokey cokey i've updated. Anyone who's name is not on the list feel free to PM to remind me.
It's hotting up now figuratively and literally. Who's ready to start growing? I'd like to keep a running total on heights (and start dates) so if you could post here with the info i'll update the thread.
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Hi
Thank you for putting me on the list,
Looking forward to growing the sunflowers is there a prize for the growing the smallest --I would have a better chance of winning that. :tongue2:
Al the very best
redfig
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Hi
Have my seeds now from Wilkinson, first time i have been to the shop in a near by town ,Seeds are so cheap. Going to sow in the ground when the frosts stop.Some one told me to sow by a full moon !!
Its been a nice sunny day so i have been getting the ground ready.
Have a great Weekend
Redfig ::)
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hello,I'm a newbie, so please be gentle with me! Could I please have a go at your competition? I don't know where To get Wilkinsons seeds, but I've got some Unwins sunshine giant ,and plenty of hosspoo and chickenpoo?
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Hi crabstickuk
I am a newbie to ,I found my nearest wilkenson by this link http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/page/store (http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/page/store) good luck
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Welcome aboard crabstickuk :)
What part of the country are you in ?
If you pop over to the Welcome forum, you can introduce yourself to the wider world.
I hoep to see you around and good luck in the comp ! :D
Rob 8)
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thanks for the warm welcome :D
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Hi Redfig. Thanks for your help. Wilko sunflowers are sold out at the mo! They're going to email me when some more come in :D
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I bought some seeds yesterday..not telling you what I've got though... :tongue2:
Prepare to be disappointed you lot, you are looking at the winner!!!! :lol: :lol: ;)
I forgot...I'm going to try some up at the lottie and some at home in the garden :tongue2:
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my 7yr old is up for the challenge (megan). what are we to do when wilkos hasn't got any? i've bought her some others but do we need to do a wilkos own too? gonna try some down the lotty and some in the garden :D
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Tillytup the wilko's own is going to be the 'control' group to see who has the best growing skills alone... versus the alien hybrid Colossi we are able to buy. It's not strictly necessary but will add to the fun. What are the other seeds you have? Oh and i've put all the new contenders on.
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The seeds I've got grow 4 feet before the cotyledon. :ohmy:
They come with a set of ladders and a 30 foot tape measure. They're called Giganticus Collosus Beanstalk. Rumour has it they grow a golden egg at the top but no-one's ever been able to climb high enough to find out. I swapped the cow for some. ;)
(bought them in the garden centre really :wub:)
Rob 8)
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Tillytup the wilko's own is going to be the 'control' group to see who has the best growing skills alone... versus the alien hybrid Colossi we are able to buy. It's not strictly necessary but will add to the fun. What are the other seeds you have? Oh and i've put all the new contenders on.
Tillytup don't fratenise with the enemy, tell em nothing.. ;) :lol: :tongue2:
I bought another variety today...might even get some more... :lol:
I have never grown a sunflower in my life so this is going to fun.. :D
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I have never grown a sunflower in my life so this is going to fun..
Last time i tried managed 3ft :( So this is a real challenge for me :lol:
Is there a prize for the shortest one? eh eh??? go on..... pretty please ;)
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my lips are sealed :D
my daughter suggested sello taping two together- i can't imagine where she gets her evil streak from MWAHAHAHAHAHA :tongue2:
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First one is up and I'm scared of heights :ohmy:
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Well I will have a go got one last year 10 feet tall :)
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I think you should be disqualified if you know what you're doing :lol: :lol:
Best of luck Bill. Feel free to share any tips. ;) :D
Rob 8)
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We'd like to join in too - must go to Wilko's to get some seeds now though.
A couple of years ago I grew one which was around 9ft tall, which i thought was good until I saw one on telly which was basically as tall as a house.
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Please count me in FCG.
I haven't grown sunflowers for years, but look forward to the fun - so long as my chooks don't get at 'em.
cathangirl
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Hi,
Can I join aswell please if i'm not too late?
If so... are we all supposed to set the seeds at the same time or do we all just so when we are ready?
Got the perfect spot for sunflower growing down on the plot :D :D :D :D :D
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Everyone has their own secret agenda so go for it. :)
I've got 3 potential sites for mine, 2 of which are prepared and another yet to be properly investigated. Plus another location away from home.
but when will that last frost come ???? >:(
Rob 8)
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Mine got an inch high and then died :( Do I win?
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When did you sow them ?? :ohmy:
Was that indoors ?
Rob
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i read that the smallest sunflower grown, properly formed, was 2" high. Grown by a bonsai expert. :)
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16th of Feb :D yep, indoors (with a light). Leggy I could understand but it just sorta stopped growing :(
I wonder how big the head was on the bonsai, does the flower shrink in proportion?
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I may, or may not, have sown some of my seeds today. It could be that I've put them in a heated propogator and am going to sow a few more as backup in a week or so. That way, if frost gets them, I just pull them up and replace with the next lot.
I also have some glass which I may, or may not, be using as a cloche.
Things are coming on. Nature will do its work with a little helping hand here and there. :)
Rob 8)
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Y'mad Roberto. In like a lion and out like a lamb is coming soon!
I need to buy a ton of compost this week :)
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OK, as of yesterday, I have planted my seeds :D :D :D
Just hope they germinate now.
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Has it got to be wilkinson's seeds cause I got mine off eBay? Russian Giant. I'm excited two have germinated today and one looks big already. OK, just an inch but that's big in seedling size!!!!
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I think it is Wilkos seed and a.n.other. The Wilko is like the control. I am not at liberty to divulge my other variety though :D :D :D
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Prepared my 'best' area for growing today. Planting tomorrow.
Now i just need to buy some stuff to keep the chickens from eating the dammed things.
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I really must be in one of the best places in the world to grow sunflowers. We have field upon field upon field of them in this part of Bulgaria. One problem as regards the competition though .......................... NO WILKO'S :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Mum in Law did send a packet of sunflower seeds out to me which were free in a magazine and I planted some on 16th March. Just measured the tallest and it's 11.5 cms, 4.5 ins in old money. They're "Velvet Queen" and will (if I don't manage to kill them off :ohmy:) have flowers in shades of red and bronze.
Good luck all.
Pauline
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They'll be tiddlers Pauline :tongue2:
But you could grow almost anything there and beat us ! :D
I've been to Western France and seen all the fields full of them. It's an amazing sight I know. The seasons are so much more predictable than here which helps.
Rob 8)
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Nope, sorry Rob, they'll be whoppers :tongue2: :D :D :D.
I agree, the fields are an amazing sight. Travel one way and they just about blind you, on the return journey it's just dark and boring.
How tall are yours now? I know you're not giving anything away so I promise not to tell anyone!! :D :D :D
Pauline
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I've had tie it into a telegraph pole. :wub:
Still at seedling stage. Not looked today but no true leaves yesterday. Cotyledons lookign helathy though.
Rob 8)
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Please add me to the comp, I dont have a wilco's near by as far as I know
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Hope I havn`t missed the bus - Please can I join in the fun?
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FEE FI FO FUM !!!
What was that ? :ohmy: :unsure:
Oh no. I think my sunflowers are so tall, the giant has woken up and is coming down. ::)
Can you handle the pressure ?? :tongue2:
Rob 8)
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FEE FI FO FUM !!!
What was that ? :ohmy: :unsure:
Oh no. I think my sunflowers are so tall, the giant has woken up and is coming down. ::)
Can you handle the pressure ?? :tongue2:
Rob 8)
Could be the sound of mine rattling in their seed packets, still too early yet for moi
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:D
I'm staggering my sowings. Might sow direct soon. Just need to source some 5metre stakes. Not sure what happens when they get to 6metres though :D
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:D
I heard that the new wind turbines are as high as 12 metres or more. Do you think they would give enough support for your beasties Poultrygeist?
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There's a thought :)
Might just be tall enough. :wub:
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Mine went into my mini propogators today. Cant plant direct yet as i don't have any netting so my chooks will just dig them up.
Tempted to grow sunflowers with runners around them at the moment. A wise move?
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I'm trying to avoid sharing the nutrients with anythign. You need to feed them every week or so which implies that every bit of goodness makes a difference.
Unless you want to lose of course ! :tongue2: :tongue2: :tongue2:
Rob 8)
(i'm not competitive)
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Oh these won't be the competitive ones rob. Just for show. Of course they will still beat your pitiful efforts :)
Save me creating a runner frame.
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I will give this a go, i have bought my seed from Aldi so I am knot expecting a lot.I will start them in a Kitchen roll.
celery
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Please add me to the list. Never grown one before so this will be a virgin sunflower.just treat me gently thats all i ask. :D
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BE AFFRAID!
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/srebmob/Picture.jpg)
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Nah, they only say 6' on them Bombers. Now the ones I've got ....................... :ohmy:
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Nah, they only say 6' on them Bombers. Now the ones I've got ....................... :ohmy:
No no.... Look again. 1.8m +
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Nah, they only say 6' on them Bombers. Now the ones I've got ....................... :ohmy:
No no.... Look again. 1.8m +
+ 6" :D :D :D :D I have grown these in the past though and they did do quite a bit + :nowink:
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Right then. I'm going to break radio silence and give you a sneaky glimpse inside the greenhouse. 3 are Wilkos and the other three are the magic beans from the man who bought the cow.
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc208/maksmum/Resizeof2009_0325_113642AA.jpg)
Rob 8)
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Me and my Daughter planted some sun flower seeds this afternoon :wub:
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Popped mine in 2 days ago.
2 Pots of each, 2 to a pot, will select the strongest in each.
No point posting a photo of 4 pots of compost at this time!
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Mine went in GH a couple of weeks ago, the free red ones from Gardeners World mag and yellow ones from wilkos. 6 of each, 2 to a pot, will select the best 3 of each colour. DS also wants to grow one in a pot. Theres about 4 of each up now :D
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My son Liam wanted everyone to know that he has just now planted his sunflower! He wondered if 2 years old was too young to enter?
(http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2737/138/61/1427551540/n1427551540_324375_7912899.jpg)
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Age is no barrier. Even Roughlee can enter and his mental age must be way lower than that !! :lol: (love ya really stu :wub:)
I'm still fighting off giants. These golden eggs keep dropping down too. Make a right mess ::)
Rob 8)
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I'd like to jump on the bandwagon too please, best get me over to wilko soon!
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Is it too late to sow some now or will they catch up?
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I only put mine in a few days ago.
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Mines gone all floppy ??? i take it that is Leggy in the growers world will the stand up on there own or will i need to give it some support.
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Where have you got them ?
Might be worth starting again if they can't support their own weight. I started mine off indoors in the heated propogator, then transferred them to the greenhouse in bigger pots. I'm resisting the urge to plant out but I might try half now and hold a couple back in case of frosts. There's always an option to fleece them or even make a cloche while they're small.
Rob 8)
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See 'em and weep Robby boy :tongue2: :lol: :lol:
(http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u111/richyrich66/100_0666.jpg)
Wilko super specials
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Just realised i appear to be in this competition... :ohmy:
Perhaps I'd better find some seeds somewhere... 8)
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Is that from two weeks ago ? :nowink:
I would post mine again but it'd scare you :D
I was going to use your paper pots but they wouldn't have fitted in the propogator. ::)
Rob 8)
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I will have to open the packet and get my get my chicken rolls out. Maybe a job for tomorrow when I get back from work.
celery ;)
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Is that from two weeks ago ? :nowink:
I would post mine again but it'd scare you :D
I was going to use your paper pots but they wouldn't have fitted in the propogator. ::)
Rob 8)
:lol: I used a bucket for my pot formers :lol:
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:lol: :lol:
:tongue2: liar, liar, pots on fire :tongue2:
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Just realised i appear to be in this competition...
Me too .....looks like i better get a move on ::)
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:lol: :lol:
:tongue2: liar, liar, pots on fire :tongue2:
hope not :blink: :lol:
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I didn't set them on fire. :wub: Honest :blush:
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I didn't set them on fire. :wub: Honest :blush:
no it's the friction from the rapid growth ;)
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:lol: :lol:
I can't beat that. :D
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* CHICKENS
Managed to eat my first batch at 2ft tall. Got to start all over again now :mad:
(ok, 2 inches... but they were growing!)
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:lol: FCG !
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Im not in this comp Richy
But compared to mine,, yours are feeble :tongue2: :tongue2: :tongue2:
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Mine went in today; after some weeks pouring over astrological charts, it transpired that 5 April at noon was the ideal time for sowing mega sunflowers in my postcode area. Apparently this time on this date ensures extreme growth, which along with my secret soil-mix recipe means its in the bag for me! : :D :D :D
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I've killed two so far, I've another one but it's been about an inch tall with just seed leaves for awhile so I'm not holding out too much hope. I just sowed another handful (three different types) in 3" pots. I can't believe I'm killing sunflowers and everything else is growing fine ::)
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See 'em and weep Robby boy :tongue2: :lol: :lol:
(http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u111/richyrich66/100_0666.jpg)
Wilko super specials
Ohhh, I must have misread the rules .... I didn't realise we were meant to be growing a dwarf variety, does this mean I'm disqualified? :(
¥
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:tongue2: Yabba their in buckets I tell thee ;)
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I have just put my sunflowers into the small greenhouse :blink:
celery 8)
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I'm worried about mine now I've been playing them music and .....
VXESuHhXQTk
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I took mine outside for some fresh air today. One nearly fainted but I propped it up with a stick. Need a few more days to harden off in between showers.
Got some posts ready for planting. Just need some feed.
Rob 8)
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Has it been raining in Boston no rain hear yet.
Celery
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Can I please join?
I've currently got my seeds and I'm waiting for my first batch to germinate.
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Has it been raining in Boston no rain hear yet.
Celery
No rain yet but forecast tonight and tomorrow pm.
Then we are due lots over the next few days. The ground is starting to crack and turn to stone, so it's certainly needed.
rob 8)
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Same as you hun, forecast for us is light rain till Friday, then it will chuck down buckets on Friday PM.
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Dont know if its been posted (tis a big thread :D ) but I was told to feed them Bitter (a la pumpkins with beer)
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As opposed to the rest of you, I'm being honest here.
Mine are just popping through.
I'm not going to claim that they are being used as a orbital tether, (look it up if you don't know). That's next week. :tongue2:
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Stupid Question here, How Frost hardy or otherwise are sunflowers ?
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Not frost hardy
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They're quite thirsty and will need watering every day for the first couple of feet, then every other day, and feeding every week.
Plus you need to stake them with something substantial.
Rob 8)
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only one of mine has germinated , but its growing 2 cm day :) its currently about 12cm.
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Gonna keep an eye on the weather we put some in at the plot today, i know there not in the comp but they do look good 6-7 inch tall so far they have stood up since moving to a bigger pot befor the ground. Any sign of frost and i will be up there with a blanket for them.
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They're quite thirsty and will need watering every day for the first couple of feet, then every other day, and feeding every week.
Plus you need to stake them with something substantial.
Rob 8)
Little lads SFs are going against my concreted in new fence posts at the plot.One for each post at the top of each path :D
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All jesting aside, several of mine have "nibbled" leaves, and a few have leaves that really don't look that healthy ( a tad crinkly ), I can post pics tomorrow if needed, will they be ok or do I need to do summat?
Also, is it normal that they still only have 2 big leaves, they're about a 4 foot high now? ( had to move them into the big greenhouse so they have more headroom :D )
¥
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Also, is it normal that they still only have 2 big leaves, they're about a 4 foot high now? ( had to move them into the big greenhouse so they have more headroom :D )
¥
Yes, if you're growing them in a drainpipe :lol:
I'll have to clamp a ladder to mine soon. ::)
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Im planning on growing mine (or the 1 survivor so far) up the front posts of my munty runner bean frame.
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Im planning on growing mine (or the 1 survivor so far) up the front posts of my munty runner bean frame.
That's what I did last year, gives the frame good support. ;)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/srebmob/GardenandLottie020.jpg)
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Well I've planted some of mine in pots, but I've just realised that I haven't got any wilkos ones... ::)
I could have sworn i'd bought some from there...oh well, i'll go see if they've got any left next week...
I'm going to put some in at home and some up at the lottie and see how I get on..Is there a prize for the littleist aswell... :lol:
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I've got some PM me your addy snippy an I'll bung em in the post. :)
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I only just remembered to sow mine as well DOH
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Haven't sown my ones yet, intend to do so when I get back up north middle of the week. And I've only got Wilkos ones so that will have to suffice anyway :)
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That's what I did last year, gives the frame good support. ;)
I love that idea Bombers! Might have to steal it for next year! :lol:
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Mine are planted out as of yesterday, had to keep the little one happy and occupied. I hope they dont kark it ???
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I would love to try alongside you all BUT
I have a confession
I cant get them to grow the only one I have ever grown was about 2 foot and the flower didnt ever happen it got to bud stage and died.
Do you actually think I am capable of holding a lottie together :unsure:
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I would love to try alongside you all BUT
I have a confession
I cant get them to grow the only one I have ever grown was about 2 foot and the flower didnt ever happen it got to bud stage and died.
Do you actually think I am capable of holding a lottie together :unsure:
Yeah no problem ignore us lot we're just full of manure ;) 2 foot could be a winner :lol:
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I would love to try alongside you all BUT
I have a confession
I cant get them to grow the only one I have ever grown was about 2 foot and the flower didnt ever happen it got to bud stage and died.
Do you actually think I am capable of holding a lottie together :unsure:
Yeah no problem ignore us lot we're just full of manure ;) 2 foot could be a winner :lol:
The worst sunflower contest that is the only one I would win ::)
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:lol: c'mon BC you can do it !! :D
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The worst sunflower contest that is the only one I would win ::)
You haven't a hope of winning the wooden spoon! richies already tried to win that with his " :tongue2: Yabba their in buckets I tell thee ;)" ... not that he has a hope in hell either, it takes a true blonde to win a wooden spoon and smile :D
Have a go by all means, but I'm gonna whup yer arses :D
¥
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:lol: whatever ::) :lol:
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2 of my 6 planted out this morning at the back of the shed, East facing so should get sun most of the day plus heat reflected off shed.
The next 2 will be in an open position with full sun all day.
Currently about 8" high.
Rob 8)
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I tell yah what, this competition is starting to become a HUGE pain in the bum. I had the police around today, it would appear that the local "I have a diddy airplane" brigade complained to blackpool council because they had to fly round my seedlings! :|
¥
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All you have to do is strap a flashing beacon on top. it's not much to ask. I did that at the cotyledon stage while I could still reach ! ::)
Mind you I am only 4" tall :wub:
Rob 8)
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Cotly things, they're the two leaves that are still below the stratosphere right?
¥
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In any other situation, yes :D
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I'm guessing that can be interpreted as "they're a smidge leggy yabba" :tongue2:
¥
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Do they tend to lie completely flat when not nailed to an upright ?
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Do they tend to lie completely flat when not nailed to an upright ?
Yes, good luck with the competition :D
¥
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:D
Thanks. It was longest and not just tallest wasn't it ? :wub:
They're securely glued to a cane as we speak. ???
Night
Rob 8)
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Don't forget to nail the cane to the floor, otherwise it's a waste of glue :roll:
night ;)
¥
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There seems to be a bit of a scamp in our midst. Richy has very kindly sent me Wilkos sunflower seeds and written on the packet....Very Dwarf!! ::) :lol:
Thanks so much Rich.. :wub:
I'm off to sow them now... :tongue2:
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I despise people who don't play fair >:(
(nice one Rich :D)
Rob 8)
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I despise people who don't play fair >:(
(nice one Rich :D)
Rob 8)
You won't be laughing in a few months my dear fellow...I've got green fingers and beginners luck on my side........ ???
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My fingers are slightly stained (don't ask :unsure:) and I've never grown a sunflower in me life !! :D
Rob 8)
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:lol: my next offer is for some microwaved sunflower seeds (http://bestsmileys.com/evil/3.gif)
Seriously think I might try some out of the wild bird food mix I have, could be a winner ;)
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Well, the York microclimate is soooooooo tropical ( :blink: ) that I have only today sown my Wilkos seeds. They'll beat you all into a cocked hat, just letting you develop a false sense of a head start :lol: :tongue2:
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I have one that's an inch and a half and not dead yet! It's a oldish packet of seeds maybe that's my problem.
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Sheesh, it was bad enough that I had the police around 'cos the local flyboys complained ... but I just got a summons from NASSA that says if I don't cut my babies down then they'll ignore the SALT treaty and nuke my garden!!!!! bloody yanks ( except the yanks on here of course .... we know you'd only use salt to kill slugs :D ) ... looks like I may have to withdraw from the competition :'( ... good luck to those of you who are growing dwarf varieties :roll:
¥
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That translates into "I've killed them and I give up cause I know Richy will win " :lol: :lol:
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"I give up cause I know Richy will win " :lol: :lol:
God loves an optimist and all that huh? :tongue2:
¥
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You never know though. I might just be that Grand National winner :D :D.
They are coming along nicely. Had to hold them straight with guy ropes last year as canes were nowhere near big enough. :ohmy:
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They are coming along nicely. Had to hold them straight with guy ropes last year as canes were nowhere near big enough. :ohmy:
I had to do that with my seedlings as well ;)
¥
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Here's my survivor...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1436b.jpg)
He's just biding his time :tongue2:
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You lot are very lucky our names not down on the list they all look tiny.
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You lot are very lucky our names not down on the list they all look tiny.
Speak too soon :D
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You will wish you had'nt done that FCG :D :tongue2:
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Hi, I was thinking of holding a sunflower growing contest on the allotment site where I have a plot. I was wondering when would be a good week to measure them all? Would you suggest the end of August or leave it until the start of September. Wanted to be organised and put the measuring day on a poster!
Regards, Nicola
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It depends where you are Nicola. Mine aren't fully grown until mid September ;) .
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whats the use of growning sunflowers
i mean do they bear any friuts or some thing ?
i've heard of sunflower oil :D surely you dont grow them for that
or do people grow them for ordamental reasons i dont know i dont see the point in growing them.
but this challenge sounds about the only good reason for growning them.
am i too l8 to get some started now do you think.
i'll have a go just for the fun of it.
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Seeds. Birds.
Nuff said.
Rob 8)
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They look so majestic so high up (well mine do :D :D) and it isn't too late to sow if you don it now. Just invest in a neck brace for the crick you will get looking up at them :tongue2:
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You can always eat the seeds if the birdies don't get them or the tree rats >:(
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Hey my daughter and I have just planted our ten footers in the Peak District so we are in. Lets hope we get a sunny summer. My chicken poo and manure should do the trick..
:D
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Worst thing you can put on it Mark. Can't tell you why. It's a secret but if you plant them in 3ft of water and cut the tops off, they really do well ;) :D
Rob 8)
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When we got to the plot today the cage's were 3ft of the ground suspended in the air hahahahha the Sunflowers are growing well.
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Mine are ready to go out but I only have 8m of fleece to cover them ::).
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got plenty of fleece for mine, as only 1 germinated so far.
Must be the only true posting for a while there's a lot of long noses out there :nowink:
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Mine are 6' high now. Thickening up well and with a few sets of leaves.
We have a magic airing cupboard. 100% germination rate so far. I blame the high humidity in there.
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never grown them before, but ciunt me in
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Here are my Wilko's Sunflowers, repotted this morning to their own pots: (http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs037.snc1/3304_1135629437410_1427551540_360449_84910_n.jpg)
And here is Jnrs Sunflowers! Also repotted this morning:(http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs037.snc1/3304_1135629477411_1427551540_360450_193087_n.jpg)
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Hmm, just noticed that my name is not on the list, I did ask for it to be added on page 14 of this thread, was i too late?
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Dare I post some photos of mine ?
I just might. :)
I'll grab something to give an indication of size.
Rob 8)
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Oh dear Oh dear, This is all getting very competitive isn't it? :nowink:
.... Now where's my camera?
-
Dare I post some photos of mine ?
I just might. :)
I'll grab something to give an indication of size.
Rob 8)
Come on then, lets all have a laugh... :lol:
does anyone think I might regret that? ;)
-
here we go then....
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc208/maksmum/Resizeof2009_0424_161958AA.jpg)
6" flower pot in the photo. ::)
Rob 8)
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Crikey, when did you sow yours?
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2 days ago. It's amazing how quick they grow innit ? :wub:
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2 days ago. It's amazing how quick they grow innit ? :wub:
Don't tell fibs PG, :lol:
I knew it would be massive, I'd better get planting mine out then.. :(
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Do you want a photo with the tape measure next to it ?
Rob 8)
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Do you want a photo with the tape measure next to it ?
Rob 8)
Stop gloating... :tongue2:
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Just as a bit of an incentive to some of you.
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc208/maksmum/Resizeof2009_0424_155242AA.jpg)
Taken this very afternoon. It was planted out about a week ago so it needs to establish a bit more but seems to be starting to take off again.
I've got 3 more in pots that I need to find a home for but I'll concentrate on the 3 I have for the comp. The other 2 are doing ok but their position isn't as good as I'd hoped. They're East facing and a bit shaded during some of the morning. As they get bigger, they'll see more sun. Good luck peeps. Summer's a long way off yet. :D
Rob 8)
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See the first flower head forming there Rob, won't grow much higher then ;)
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The top fell off mine, does it need to have leaves to qualify?
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The top fell off mine, does it need to have leaves to qualify?
Nah just call it slug damage :lol:
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The game is afoot!
Finally my wilkinsons ones are up. I thought they were dead, silly things. They'll have a hell of a time catching my RG now.
-
My 3 that are still in pots blew over yesterday (pots smashed) so I had to stuff them back into different pots and water them quick. ::)
I think I'll just let them do what they will and let the birds have the seeds.
Rob 8)
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I've planted mine out yesterday and made some plastic bottle collars to stop the slugs, back to pellets today they have all but one been nibbled >:(
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Mine haven't germinated yet, just lulling you all into a false sense of insecurity :lol:
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Can I play too ?
I'll even use last years seeds to give you all a chance :tongue2:
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How about the sunflower seeds the coaltits planted late last summer taken from the sunflowers they planted the year before? I've got sunflower seedlings everywhere :)
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How about the sunflower seeds the coaltits planted late last summer taken from the sunflowers they planted the year before? I've got sunflower seedlings everywhere :)
Get measuring then... ;)
I had one of those 'if only' moments yesterday. If only I'd weighted my plastic greenhouse when I thought about it...and before the wind took it >:( ::)
Luckily I didn't lose much, but I have hardly any idea what is what now as all the labels fell out... :mad:
So you may just find I'll be growing cabbages in my borders and sunflowers with my caulis on the plot... :lol:
stoopid woman..... :lol:
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I planted three of my winning babies out at the plot yesterday... ;)
I'll be planting my others and my Wilco ones at home soon... :D
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my biggest survivor is 21 inches high but quite leggy, still in the consevatory in its paper pot. need to pot it up and harden it off
-
here we go then....
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc208/maksmum/Resizeof2009_0424_161958AA.jpg)
6" flower pot in the photo. ::)
Rob 8)
its quite normal to give the lesser abled folks a head start ;)
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You'd better hurry up Shaun. Mine is rapidly sucking all the nutrients from the northern hemisphere. The roots must be halfway to Birmingham by now. :)
Rob 8)
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You'd better hurry up Shaun. Mine is rapidly sucking all the nutrients from the northern hemisphere. The roots must be halfway to Birmingham by now. :)
Rob 8)
What did you do, post them?
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:lol: very droll :D
I read some tips growing tips yesterday.
1. Sow direct because tap roots need to grow long. Pots restrict the tap root.
2. Water plenty every few days. This encourages roots to seek it out rather than just stay near surface.
3. Feed High potash feed every week.
4. They shouldn't need staking if grown properly.
I fail on 1.
I've started taking notice of 2.
I've got a high NK feed but manured the bed well before hand.
I have a sturdy stake to about 6ft.
Oh well. It's a bit of fun ::)
Rob 8)
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Last few i've ever grown where from pots and their was always a 'twist' where the tap root hit the bottom of the pot. Really does stunt about 2ft off them.
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Now you tell me ! ::)
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I planted three in the garden today.... and I've still got my Wilko one to plant.. :blush:
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I've directly sown some of them in the garden (none are showing yet) ???.... They must be putting down some SERIOUS roots!!!! :D :D :D
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I've directly sown some of them in the garden (none are showing yet) ???.... They must be putting down some SERIOUS roots!!!! :D :D :D
Either that or rotting :tongue2: :lol:
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I've directly sown some of them in the garden (none are showing yet) ???.... They must be putting down some SERIOUS roots!!!! :D :D :D
Either that or rotting :tongue2: :lol:
Yehh yehh... ;) :tongue2: we'll see!
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I have still not been added to the list... have I missed it? I requested to be added on page 16.
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I shouldn't worry Riala they must have just missed it...get growing I'd say... :)
You can always PM FCG if you're that worrried..
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If you manage to grow a 20 footer, I'll add you myself ! :D
I think FCG should donate a prize. It's the least he can do. ::)
Rob 8)
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If you manage to grow a 20 footer, I'll add you myself ! :D
I think FCG should donate a prize. It's the least he can do. ::)
Rob 8)
Well then i would save on the postage if i did, i'd only have to pass the prize from my left to my right hand :D
Apologies for missing you off Riala that terrible mistake has been rectified.
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Have you thought about how we're going to prove how big our sunflowers are ?
I could do a close up of the 30 ft mark at the top of the plant with the first 20ft curled up on the ground !
Or do you trust us ? :wub:
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Don't be silly.
Obiously everyone is going to have to cut them down and then burn them into ashes and then weigh the ashes and from that i can extrapolate the height of the sunflower.
Just a photograph of you standing next to it should suffice, with a 30cm ruler in your hand. While on one leg, with a pot of marmalade balancing on your head...
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As long as you've thought it through :D
I'll get the elastic tape measure ready :D
Rob 8)
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:D some fighting talk here boys....oh dear, you have no idea.. ::)
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Count me in please. Am sowing mine direct. Never grown them before
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Count me in please. Am sowing mine direct. Never grown them before
Don't forget. Drench them every 2 or 3 days in dry weather and feed once a week. Good mulch and let nature do the rest. :)
Rob 8)
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i would like to enter this challenge, please. as i have bought my 2 year old daughter some seeds for her first experience of "growing things".... may not get very far as every time we go into the garden she has to water them !!!!!!!
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Ha, i just went through my Russian Giant seeds and found a 'mutant' 3 seeds fused together. Sowed this late direct... but you just know it's going to be rather large.
:D
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:ohmy: :unsure:
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Did i forget to mention it is already twice the size of the other ones sowed direct?
Uh-oh... i think i -am- going to be able to see this from my first floor window...
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I'm guessing you live on a houseboat, in which case I have bad news, it's not growing, you're sinking :roll:
¥
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Quite wrong there Yabba, but i do live right next to the boat museum. I'm going to have to go around there one day to show you all how nice it is. All the houseboats are on there at one stage of their lives.
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I'm going to have to go around there one day to show you all how nice it is.
That'd be cool ;)
¥
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HELP NEEDED................ I got his huge thing that is growing on my allotment it look's a little like a Sunflower but im not sure i took a climb up the ladder to take a look but could not reach with the 4 rung ladder so will have to get the 5 rung ladder down there to look.
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It'll be a mutant dandelion Kris ! :D
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HELP NEEDED................ I got his huge thing that is growing on my allotment it look's a little like a Sunflower but im not sure i took a climb up the ladder to take a look but could not reach with the 4 rung ladder so will have to get the 5 rung ladder down there to look.
I would have thought that you, out of all the members on this site, would recognise a bl**dy tree! :roll:
¥
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HELP NEEDED................ I got his huge thing that is growing on my allotment it look's a little like a Sunflower but im not sure i took a climb up the ladder to take a look but could not reach with the 4 rung ladder so will have to get the 5 rung ladder down there to look.
I would have thought that you, out of all the members on this site, would recognise a bl**dy tree! :roll:
¥
HAHhahahaha this made me pmsl this morning
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Well I tell yea, there's been some sabotage going on down 'ere...One of my sunflower plants has gone!!! and I mean gone, it was definitely there I had a stake behind it. I went to water it earlier and it's gone!! :mad:
Who dunnit? >:( ;)
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Oh dear what a shame ???
It was not me honest guv :mad: thats not on hope you find your sunflower plant soon.
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Hi
My sunflower seeds are coming up at last,planted in the open ground .With all this rain sould give them a good start.
Happy Gardening
;)
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most of mine have lots of slug damage :( it's only the real tall one that's been left alone, slugs obviously get altitude sickness ;)
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My only tall one shrivelled up and died after I planted out.
I thought sunflowers were meant to be easy :(
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One of mine did that, Liams one that had it's own special pot as well.
All the others are fine. I hope they survive the move to the new house.
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i think its the bag for me mine are waist high ;) 8)
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Same for me. And I'm 11 foot tall.
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your just being silly rob ;)
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I'll get some photos up again tomorrow.
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i will too,but i dont want everyone to get excited when i take a pic of mine ;)
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We won't :)
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We won't :)
rob will ;) :)
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I'm scared already :blink:
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told yer ;)
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Do you have to enter sunflowers? I have a 7' tall tomato :)
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I did one on the quiet but its only 3 inches LOL what am I doing wrong :unsure:
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I did one on the quiet but its only 3 inches LOL what am I doing wrong :unsure:
That's a daisy ! ::) :D
Rob 8)
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Do you have to enter sunflowers? I have a 7' tall tomato :)
7' ? damn, I'm gonna have to work my bum off for the wooden spoon prize! even my bonsai sunflower is taller than that :(
That's a daisy ! ::) :D
:tongue2:
¥
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SHOCKING NEWS
I've been snailed! After a few weeks of keeping my chooks locked into their run so i can have some grass the snails are back with a vengeance. Everything has been nibbled.
Still when i saw the snails with oxygen tanks and crampons....
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Calamity, the wind blew the smallest one over yesterday. I have concreted a RSJ in and the RAF are sending a Chinook to try and lift it back up. I don't hold out a lot of hope though, any suggestions????? :D :ohmy: :mad: :wub: ::) :tongue2:
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1483b.jpg) :tongue2:
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hi
my sunflowers need somthing to give them a start they may be bonsai sunflower.
The world record for the smallest sunflower is just over 2 inches i think i will try for this instead i am a 1 inch under the record !!!
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Holy hell in a handbasket Tam, what are you growing that in! Liquefied and condensed manure? That is unreal, what variety?
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Holy hell in a handbasket Tam, what are you growing that in! Liquefied and condensed manure? That is unreal, what variety?
Sunflower 'organic tomato' :) It's in a mix of garden soil, gen. purp. compost and probably a bit of rabbit poop (if I remember rightly).
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I knew it was a tomato, but what variety of tomato?
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It was from the youfarm free seeds it's just labelled as 'organic tomato' no variety :(
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i think its the bag for me mine are waist high ;) 8)
Get off your knee's and out of that hole hehehe :tongue2:
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Mine got eaten by snails :(
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My best one is about 3'-6" to 4' now. Just hoping it keeps pushing up and doesn't decide to go for a flower.
Rob 8)
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My best one is about 3'-6" to 4' now. Just hoping it keeps pushing up and doesn't decide to go for a flower.
Rob 8)
My tallest is about 10 inches high :lol: But when your's crashes and dies mine will be flourishing... :lol: :tongue2:
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I think mine have grown about 6" since yesterday :ohmy: About a week or more of rain followed by 2 or 3 warm, dry days seems to work for them. Must get the liquid feed out.
Rob 8)
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my sunflower is only 1 foot ,hope all this rain will work its magic
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Mine are doing well up toabout 6inch but the sun hasn't shone until today in Derbshire. So here's hoping they do a Jack and the Beanstalk this weekend...... 8)
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Mine are about 18in already after the rain, but it got soooo windy i had to stake them...so don't know if they'll last till the end ???
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Do Sunflowers mind being moved? I ask because we should be getting our moving date soon and it would be a shame to leave them.
They are this big:
(http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v4402/138/61/1427551540/n1427551540_414923_310788.jpg)
If I do have to leave them, is it too late too start some more off in pots?
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Heres a pic of my effort so far , growing up the front of my munty frame.
The bit of fleece tied round the bottom is a bandage as a piece of plastic early cut it in 2 , cant beleave it survived with my doctoring skills :)
(http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii407/morewhiskey/lotty%20in%20may/Earlyonwardpeas006.jpg?t=1243630908)
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Riala, if you take a big enough rootball and put them in pots, well watered during and after the move, I think they should be fine. It might even be worth putting them in decent sized pots now, before they get much bigger - if you're sure the move will go ahead in the next couple of weeks or so?
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I looked at them again after I posted, and I think it might be difficult to lift them at all as they are really close to the marigolds :(
Never mind, I will get some seeds in pots tomorrow and cross my fingers!
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Hi
Some of my sunflower leafs have black spots-- splodges and it is spreading ,so i have pulled them up and in the bin, can any one help me with what it is and how to stop it.
Thank you
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Have a look at this thread (http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=37882.msg451875#new), which is running at the moment
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Hi
Thank you Yorkie1
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I Think our Sunflowers need to go to weight watchers they are getting so fat around the stems.
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Measured last night. Up to my armpit, which equates to about 53", but the flower bud is well and truly in evidence in the growing tip, which may or may not be a bad sign ::)
Rob 8)
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i have four just coming through the soil,every one took that Aldi seeds.Its a marathon not a sprint.
celery
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I think mine may have taken a wrong turning near the cutty sark :unsure:
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Latest measurement.
1.62m which is about 5'3" in old money. :)
Comes up to my nose. Got another 2 a few inches behind but looking strong. They were planted on the east face of the shed so have not been in the sun all day but another couple of weeks and they should catch the sun a bit later.
Anyone else measured theirs lately ?
Rob 8)
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.
Anyone else measured theirs lately ?
Rob 8)
:nowink: :nowink: :nowink: S.A.D.
Sunflower Addiction Disorder.
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Extremely Nice Vain Youth :D
Got yer rulers out boys !! :tongue2:
Rob 8)
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Now is not the time.... far too much growing to do yet. 8) ;)
Take it easy...... slooooooooowly does it.....
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/srebmob/73355bb5.jpg)
Don't want it to be all over in a flash! ;) :lol:
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We'll see come the day. :D
I've got a few runts in another garden that are about 2ft or so but I don't think they'll come to much. Grown more for the wildlife than anything.
Rob 8)
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Now is not the time.... far too much growing to do yet. 8) ;)
Take it easy...... slooooooooowly does it.....
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/srebmob/73355bb5.jpg)
Don't want it to be all over in a flash! ;) :lol:
:lol: :lol: I remember that advert well.
I've already told him, that his will be wilting a dying when mine is getting on a spurt, but he wouldn't listen... ::) ;)
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Don't want it to be all over in a flash!
Too true :nowink: :lol:
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Don't want it to be all over in a flash!
Too true :nowink: :lol:
Stay on topic ! ;) :D
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STOP IT you two! (http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/wildnflgirl/cold_shower.gif)
:tongue2:
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HA!
It's all in your mind...I was talking about sunflowers......
yours might run to seed before it gets very big ! :)
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yours might run to seed before it gets very big ! :)
:nowink:
You'll see!
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Latest measurement.
1.62m which is about 5'3" in old money. :)
How embarrassing. Your sunflower is already taller than me :tongue2:
My sunflower is dead :(
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Mine are barely taller than a pencil.
Dammit.
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Never trust a man and measurements is my motto. Works every time as we sell timber by how long you want. :)
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mine is rather small but on the plus side my colour Bugs have launched a sunflower comp. we are not doing so well infact mine is about a foot :mellow:
We are awaiting parents to send in more pics but the pics are on our website in the gallery (www.colourbugs.net) what do I feed them on :mellow:
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Been out with the tape measure this morning. Got two varietys in
one came via a swop from DD these are Russian Giants the other
are Wilco's Giant Single. Six of each were planted out early May
One of The Russian Giants is at present 58'' or 1.47meters
The best of the Wilcos Giant Single is 49'' or 1.24 meters
With all the rain we have had i expect plenty of movement
from now on :D
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Good on yer Neal. I've got some competition at least ! :D
Rob 8)
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Got to keep you on your toes . Can't have it all one way can we :lol:
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Will measure my 2 tomorrow ;)
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Well measured the biggest one 0.8m :(
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how is this going to be judged ?? and by who ?????? ::)
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I have wondered how we prove what size we've reached. Especially if any get over about 8ft. Going to be hard to take photos of whole thing and close up of tape measure without it looking faked.
Rob 8)
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we could post them to mike ;)
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:D
I'll get some big envelopes
-
mine will have to go on a low loader ;)
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Shaun i'll pop round for yours. It'll save you having to hire the low loader to transport the magnifying glass.
I'd say someone taking a photo of you stood next to it holding something of a standard size along with a tape measure would work. I have to analyse photos all day long. I can tell photoshops by the pixels...
:D
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Mine are doing well but won't be fully ready until about September. They were still flowering when we had the first frosts last year.
-
I think mine is taller than me now. It's grown about 6" in the last few days. I'm amazed. The other 2 growing up the shed are about 5'6" i should think. This warm/wet weather really seems to suit them. :D
ROb 8)
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Not quite that tall but getting there :tongue2:
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Well ifthe wind carries on like this it's going to snap the tops off. I put in some canes, but by the time i sank a good bit in, and the sunflowers grew, they're about a foot over the top of the canes. So think the end may be soon for mine :(....i hope not the grandchildren have named them tom and gerry :D
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Get a photo and measurement of them just in case. Might do that myself when it stops raining. ::)
Rob 8)
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This morning's measurements...
7'2" (2.18m)
1st reserve is approaching 2m with No.3 about 1.9m
The biggest is starting to turn over at the top so I presume it won't be making 3m but the other two are still pointing skyward. Today is showery with tomorrow sunny, so it could gain another 2" or 3" over the weekend. :)
Rob 8)
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This morning's measurements...
7'2" (2.18m)
1st reserve is approaching 2m with No.3 about 1.9m
The biggest is starting to turn over at the top so I presume it won't be making 3m but the other two are still pointing skyward. Today is showery with tomorrow sunny, so it could gain another 2" or 3" over the weekend. :)
Rob 8)
So you say, where's the Photographic eveidence, hmm? ;) :lol:
-
As if by magic.....
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc208/maksmum/Resizeof2009_0620_111046AA.jpg)
You can just about make out my digging fork next to it for scale. The only alternative was to drag my OH away from the kitchen but she was cooking dinner, so that wasn't going to happen :ohmy: :D
I'm actually looking forward to watching the seeds ripen so we see what birds come for them. Be nice to get a mixture of finches. :)
Rob 8)
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I reckon that's one of those kiddie forks... ;) :tongue2:
Mine are about 3ft tall at the mo...I've got three growing by the small fence next to my shed on the plot, so that will be lovely to sit and watch the dickie birds when they flower and i've two going at the top of the garden... about the same size.
I've been giving them a bit of feed, so hopefully they'll get a decent size... :D
-
2.3m and 2.2m
No.1 has stopped going up and is now developing the flower head.
No.2 is still pointing skyward.
Rob 8)
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Mine is know starting to flower .
Is that as tall as it goes now then?
-
No.1 has stopped going up and is now developing the flower head.
Mine is know starting to flower .
Is that as tall as it goes now then?
Oh dear.... :nowink: There ya'go then. Mine are currently gaining about 30cms a week... no sign of a flower yet. :tongue2: 8)
-
Must admit, I was hoping to get to 3m but there's always next year. :D
Good luck to all still growing strongly. :)
Rob 8)
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Dash und blast.
Mine are a little over 2ft. Russian Giants? More like Russian pixies...
Still found a few of the 'wild' ones spread around here are doing little better in full sun. Must be just the unseasonal good weather...
-
Well all mine have the flower heads about to open, will see what more height they can get if any then get some pictures.
-
I have some live ones (touch wood) that are about 2' now. They've been planted out a week and still not dead.
They need to grow at least 6' cos I planted sweetcorn in front and they'll disappear otherwise :lol:
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haven't been following this thread although I do remember agreeing to the challenge ::)
Mine are about 5' tall now, no thanks to the chooks who ate the bottom leaves after I decided (stupidly?) to remove the netting that was stopping them from getting to the weeds which had collonised around the base of the sunny's.
Will measure them properly tomorrow and will post a pic :D
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My Wilco one's reached the dizzy height of 3' and decided to have the smallest flower I've seen.
The T & M "Russian Giant" is doing a little better, but the climbing peas someone kindly sent me have caught it up and just overtaken it, as you can see from the level of the brick work!
It's a paltry 4' 5". The tallest pea is 4' 7" and growing faster.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/G4IAR/DSCF1728.jpg)
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My aren't doing so well this year either >:(.
The Wilkos ones seem to be getting to about 5' then deciding to start a flower head when in prrevious years they have made double that.
The Titan that we haven't grown previously are still growing but are still only about 4' . I think I can safely say that the trophy will not be mine. :(
-
My 6 wilco's are now in full flower with thier heads bent at 90 degrees
they have stop all upward growth the tallest is just over 6ft (1.84 meters).
The best T & M Russian Giant (obtained from DD) has started to form a flower
but still pointing skywards and moving up and so far have just gone past
Rob's last post to reach just over 7ft 10in (2.40meters) just hoping it keeps
going :D
-
My 2 are a bit taller than me (I'm 5ft 6in) and have just started to form flowers, so i don't suppose they will get much taller :(
-
Mine is at waist height and I am only 5 foot 3 on a good day :wub:
-
The best T & M Russian Giant (obtained from DD) has started to form a flower
but still pointing skywards and moving up and so far have just gone past
Rob's last post to reach just over 7ft 10in (2.40meters) just hoping it keeps
going :D
How quickly you can go off people! >:( :D
-
All 3 of mine have got nice big flowers and are about the same height at around the 2.3m mark I think.
I'll take a proper measurement maybe tomorrow. Do we stand them upright to measure the heighest point or just dangle a tape measure as they droop ?
My flower heads are causing them to bend a bit.
Rob 8)
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Ive got one that survived :D Its now 2ft and no flower head on it yet
-
I know i'm not beating any records but at least mine is taller than me :lol:
-
Must measure and take photos before they turn to compost. :unsure:
Rob 8)
-
Well our's all have there flower heads now will measure them tonight they are taller than me, but i am a shrt bum lol..
-
Hi
I am a bit sad lost my sunflower just under 8 ft --to heigh winds and drying rain broke the bamboo cane and sunflower now its 3 inches tall !! well have a few more growing so i had better make shore the canes are strong!!!!!! :blink:
-
Could you gaffer tape the bits together and measure it anyway ? :D
-
I've just been away for a week, my garden sunflowers are much the same as one's on my plot.. :D going great guns but only at just over 5ft 5..I measured them against myself :lol:
I probably won't win but I can't wait for the flowers to come out - that's what matters innit... ;) :tongue2:
-
Good job chrissie b didn't enter!
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=41272.0
-
As the saying goes you got to be in it to win it :D.
But I think we may have a dark horse or 2 about before it all finishes :)
-
Oh knackers.
One of mine put growth spurt on and grew at least a foot. Now it's just gone limp and floppy.
Don't ask me what's killed it. Certainly not lack of water.
-
Well,
Mine has flowered so I better put in my entry and a few pics.
It grew to 1.52 metres (152cm)
It was grown back of a walled border but flowered towards the wall !!
I must of planted it the wrong way. No feed,just one watering during the really hot spell in June, other than that it was left alone.
here it is:
(http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq100/garddwr/DSCF2470.jpg)
(http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq100/garddwr/DSCF2471.jpg)
(http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq100/garddwr/DSCF2472.jpg)
After taking theese pictures I decided to try and move it :
(http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq100/garddwr/DSCF2474.jpg)
(http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq100/garddwr/DSCF2475.jpg)
Whether or not it will survive I don't know. But it's a shame not seeing the flower.
Thats my entry, good luck to everyone else,and I'm almost sure this won't be a winning entry, but I wasn't one of the serious contestants :lol:
Garddwr
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Hi
This is a photo of one of my sunflower leafs ,I am trying to go this one for lager flower head,
Lost a few more sunflowers to wind they where supported with bamboo canes but it was the tops broke
-
I've just remembered...my two sunflowers in the garden are just peeping over the fence which is 6ft and no flower yet... :D
My three at the plot are smaller, in fact much smaller.. :(
so I'm still in there I reckon.. ;)
garddwar, that sunflower of yours is fantastic! :)
-
I remembered to take some photos. Need to know exactly how to measure them. ie. Do I stretch the highest leaf up or just measure it as it droops ? Just for the record of course :)
This is the front one (as witnessed by Joyful)....
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc208/maksmum/ResizeofResizeof2009_0720_121951AA.jpg)
These two are in the back and I've tied them upright to the shed now...
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc208/maksmum/Resizeof2009_0720_120928AA.jpg)
Tallest point as they stand is about 2.35m on the front one but i could squeeze another few inches out of it by holding it fully upright I reckon (either way, they ain't gonna grow no more ! :D).
Rob 8)
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Sorry Rob, But I've got an 8 footer :tongue2:
I thought I had better get a picky before the poor thing gets blown over. It's still not finished gowing, so I have re-inforced it, and given it a liquid feed.
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/srebmob/Photo-0009.jpg)
and to try and give it some scale with my backpack in the foreground......
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/srebmob/Photo-0011.jpg)
Sorry its a poor picture (with my phone) I will try and get something a bit clearer at the weekend..... (If its still there! ::)
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Keep feeding it and try for the 9ft :D
I've got bindweed twining up two of mine and I had to tread down the weeds and brambles to get close to them ::)
Have only fed them once early on. Next year, I'll try doing it properly.
Rob 8)
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My grandson's one is 92 ins but the flower is only half formed and i hope as the flower opens it will grow a little bit more. got camera out and battery flat :( I will try again 2moz)..if it's still standing..gales forcast for tomorrow :ohmy:
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Oooh heck, looks like Bombers is the front runner :D.
Trying again next year properly as well. Must invest in some horse poo.
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The Wilco turned outto be poor just reaching 6ft :(
Better results with the Russian Giants I got from DD the tallest reached
8ft 3ins (8.515 meters) they have now all stoped going skywards.
So the question is how do we prove the measurments.
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Mine has a closed flower at 5 foot 6 in. but dd is still going at that size and no sign of a flower :lol:
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Heck nearly forgot about the sunflower challenge,
Oh dear out of 32 seeds planted, rabbits got all but two. Were growing quite well and then...THE WIND.. took one, so have one left. Not flowering yet, about 6ft high
Will dwarf varieties do?? Have six of those in flower :tongue2: :tongue2:
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The good news is, I'm definitely winning the wooden spoon :D
I've got a Wilkinsons giant thing flowering at about 18" ;)
I'm still waiting for the unknown ones to flower, but they're a fair tad taller ... and they were free :D
¥
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My tallest one finished up at 93in but not worth posting piccy now as seed from DDs is (nearly said bigger :nowink:) taller :tongue2:
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I admire your optimism :D
¥
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Update.... Popped down this lunchtime to pick up a few bits, and fully expected to find the worst (with all the winds and rain).....
But NO., Its STILL growing :ohmy: :ohmy: :D and no sign of it flowering as yet. ;)
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Hi
One of my sunflowers has made 10ft.4 and still to flower a Arizona sunflower .Wilco sunflowers have grown to about 6ft .
:)
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8ft 2inch and gone over now
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Easily over 8ft, as the Fence (blue one) is 8ft tall.
(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs181.snc1/6012_1191718719607_1427551540_551174_2620951_n.jpg)
This head was bigger than a dinner plate! I have never seen one that big.
(http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs161.snc1/6012_1191717559578_1427551540_551172_5081951_n.jpg)
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Mine has had a flower head bud on for weeks but it continues upwards. my dd is past 6 foot and no sign of a flower as yet
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4/8/09
I bow out - 6ft max!!!
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Juuuuust starting to get flower heads ;)
(http://innervisions.org.uk/hotlink/2/877.jpg) (http://innervisions.org.uk/index.php/masochists/2009/07/final-scribefire-test?amsgImage=877#amsgDetailPic)
¥
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So is the roof behind on a bungalow or block of flats :lol:
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Would it worry you less if it was a bungalow? ;)
¥
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Boohoo... :(
Mine are all flowering, tallest is about 6ft 6 although I've only measured it against the fenc, it's nowhere near the tallest on here... :tongue2:
Good luck to those who are still left...I'll have yer next year... :tongue2:
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(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/judey_wooo/IMG00606.jpg)
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I didn't enter this cometition but my girls did pop a few sunflower seeds in pots earlier in the year.
We transplanted some to the back garden and some to the front.
Boy... Can you see the difference with them!
The ones at the front went mad - I didn't expect them to grow as big as they have and they got stuck under the porch roof thingy! :wub:
And here are the front ones...
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/deb1928/Misc/DSCN1022.jpg)
And one of it banging it's head! :ohmy:
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e196/deb1928/Misc/DSCN1023.jpg)
Small flower heads forming and a few yellow petals showing now.
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It's flowered..... and I'm going to call it a day :(
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/srebmob/P1011533.jpg)
It's only managed 10ft. >:( bl**dy useless it is.
There is another one (on the right hand side) still to flower... but I think that's it!
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm278/srebmob/P1011534.jpg)
Soooo... I'll have to try harder next year.
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Still waiting for everyone to get theirs up. Have not picked a prize yet but it will be hand made :D
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I'm still waitin' for the tallest ones to flower ... although the shortest of the bunch has flowered at least :D
(http://innervisions.org.uk/hotlink/2/879.jpg) (http://innervisions.org.uk/index.php/masochists/2009/07/final-scribefire-test?amsgImage=879#amsgDetailPic)
No idea how tall it is ... think The Mighty V ( *bows* ) is about 5' 8" ... ish
¥
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Mine haven't finished growing yet (I hope). They are only 6' now but they've grown 2' in the last couple of weeks so you never know. :D
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(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l182/redfig_photo/th_09082009045.jpg) (http://s96.photobucket.com/albums/l182/redfig_photo/?action=view¤t=09082009045.jpg) Click to make larger
Kate with a sunflower happy faces
(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l182/redfig_photo/th_09082009042.jpg) (http://s96.photobucket.com/albums/l182/redfig_photo/?action=view¤t=09082009042.jpg) click to make larger
The sunflower is now 10Ft 11
Its been a great day on the allotment
Update
Wednesday 11ft 4
Sunday 11foot 10 inches and flowered
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(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l182/redfig_photo/th_09082009042.jpg) (http://s96.photobucket.com/albums/l182/redfig_photo/?action=view¤t=09082009042.jpg)
Damn ... at least I'm still winning the wooden spoon :D
¥
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Looking pretty good on this front. Starting to think of a 'final' cut off date for growing seeing as we are all on various climates (this is the UK, right?). September?
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I think all mine have flowered now. The tallest one is probably about 9 foot - just waiting for OH to measure it. That is a Wilko Giant Single. The Titan's that I planted that were supposed to grow to over 10 foot managed about 4 .5 feet :mad:.
I have to say that ours do usually do over 10 foot and I think this year has been a bad year.
(My excuse and I'm sticking to it :tongue2:). Also, some of them have produced several flower heads along the stalk even though they are supposed to be single.
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Ooh count me in, ive got 2 growing that mu daughter stared off at school, not flowered yet but must be 9ft+
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I'd love to grow some really tall ones - ours normally are eaten by slugs before they get a chance to get going! One of our 4 brave ones is about 6ft - measly :blush:
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I'm out about 6 foot 4 inch with flower, lots at 18" tall :tongue2:
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ok pulled the sunflower up now and it measures 3.8 mtrs or 12 ft 6 ins
the seeds are not black though they are white , keeping them for the birds .
chrissie b
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this is the felled flower should be on the other post but due to a technical fault its not
chrissie b
edit: Slipped it under the door. Nobody noticed ! Rob ;)
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Please post one picture + measurement of your sunflowers in the "Sunflower Results" thread. I'll judge them after September 1st.
Still no idea what the prize will be :D
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Mines fell over :(
Paula should remember to actually tie it to the fence after getting the ties out of the shed ::)
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I would like declare myself out as I am going on Holiday.Mine is about seven foot high,
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Oooer, I think someone deserves a prize.
How about a signed picture of me?
Seriously now... who won?
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It was me I think. :wub:
But only if it's a cash prize.
If not, then I'll accept that I may not have won. ::)
Rob
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I know it wasn't me but I enjoyed taking part. :tongue2:
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Oooer, I think someone deserves a prize.
How about a signed picture of me?
Seriously now... who won?
I think it would be nice if we have a vote similar to the photography competitions where everyone is allowed 1 vote and maybe Aunt Sally could put everyone's pictures in a list with size underneath the pictures ?
We could have 2 votes perhaps for 2 different catagories?
What do you think ?
Garddwr
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I think it's a massive amount of work to set up ???
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Aha, something i should do then.
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I think it should simply be the tallest, taken on trust, as reported on this thread.
Or me.
Whichever you think is the fairest :)
Rob
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Yes I think thats fine Rob.
Has eveyone posted the end height ?
Maybe you'll have to chase them up or remove them ?
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Mine ended up at 83ins...pretty poor effort really :blush: so I know I didn't win :D
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Oh crimes, i still need to do this.
Settled on a prize. It's going to be either a DVD or something fancy handmade.
Cripes. Best get reading.
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Are we doing anouther this year?
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Only if someone offers to organise it.
FCG didn't follow it up last year and I don't think a prize was ever sent.
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What would need to be done? If its nothing too overly complicated im willing to give it a go
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Start a new topic
invite contestants and make a list of them
get them to measure their sun flowers occasionally and report their progress
set a date for the final measure in
anounce a winner
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Ill give it a go, :D
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:D
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This sounds very interesting, only wish I could join in . . . but cant as I do not have enough experience! >:(
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Fill pot with compost, water, put in seed, watch grow. Easy. Even my patients are growing sunflowers. :D
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This was last years competition and is now closed.
This year's contest run by Jamie is at
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=55006.0