Best companion plants for sunflowers

Sunflowers are vibrant annuals that attract pollinators and beneficial insects. There are several varieties of sunflowers and they come in different colours as well. They are great companion plants that can be grown near vegetables and herbs.

Best companion plants for sunflowers:

1. Corn

Sunflowers and Corn make great companion plants. Both these plants grow tall and don’t compete for sunlight with one another. The deep roots of sunflowers help the short root system of corn. Sunflowers help to attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help pollinate and control pests in corn.

2. Beans

Beans are great nitrogen fixers and help improve soil fertility which benefits sunflowers. Beans use sunflowers as a trellis to climb.

3.Nasturtiums

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Nasturtiums are great trap crops. Planting them at a distance from sunflowers can lure pests away from sunflowers.

4.Lavender

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Planting sunflowers and lavenders together creates a pollinator habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators. Lavender can also help repel mosquitoes, moths, and other insects from your sunflowers.

5.Pepper

Peppers help to repel aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and other pests. Sunflowers help to attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help in pollination.

6.Tomatoes

Sunflowers are great companion plants for tomatoes as they help to trap stink bugs, which are a threat to sunflowers. Sunflowers can help to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

7. Basil

The strong scent produced by basil repels the pests like spider mites, whiteflies and mealy bugs that attack sunflowers. Sunflowers also provide the necessary shade that basil requires during the summer season.

8. Cucumber

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Both cucumbers and sunflowers are summer-loving plants. Cucumbers use sunflowers as a stalk to climb.

9. Squash

Squash makes a great companion plant for sunflowers. Squash’s long vines help keep the soil moist and cool. Sunflowers act as a support for squash during climbing.

10.Marigold

Marigolds and sunflowers help to attract pollinators and beneficial insects. The pungent smell produced by marigold can help to repel pests that attack sunflowers.

Practising companion planting with your sunflowers is a great way to reduce pest attacks and improve soil fertility. Hope you found this article helpful.