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[email protected]

I seem to recall reading about there being an antagonistic relationship between these two. Yet this year we surrounded our patch with giant sunflowers. I can't complain about the results really.

I'm not aware of juglone in sunflowers but....maybe something else?

9/17/2007 12:59:59 PM

Indiana

I dont remember what it was either, but my suspicion is that the sunflower roots dont go to far from the plant. That makes it not as harmful as planting the sunflowers amongst the plant???


Tom

9/17/2007 4:13:44 PM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

If I recall correctly, Native Americans would often plant squashes with either corn or sunflowers and beans. The sunflowers or corn would provide a natural pole for the beans to climb and a natural stake for the squash/pumpkin tendrils to grip and anchor to the ground. I've only ever heard of symbiotic relationships between pumpkins and sunflowers.

9/17/2007 5:11:06 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

You sure its not the sunflower hulls/seeds that are the issue. I believe the hulls contain a chemical that inhibit germination.

9/17/2007 5:13:57 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Sunflowers produce a number of compounds in their stems, leaves,and in the hulls of their seeds that will inhibit the growth of avariety of plants.
Mulching with sunflower hulls could harm plantsbecause toxins could leach from the hulls into the soil and inhibit thegrowth of susceptible plants. Leaving hulls on the ground, and allowed to accumulate, can, overtime, kill grass."

9/17/2007 5:20:02 PM

SF Bay Area, California

I've always planted sunflowers next to my pumpkins as a trap crop. The cucumber beetles like them more than the pumpkins.

I then spray the sunflowers with sevin and knock off most the cuc's and I don't have to spray my pumpkin plants with insecticide. I do believe Sevin can inhibit growth somewhat.

9/17/2007 9:54:54 PM

Rhode Island

sunflowers have tap roots which grow down and yes i've found the bugs like them better for some reason!! while the mist blower is full I blast them like the AGS

9/17/2007 10:19:00 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Are cuke beetles attracted to sunflowers? Is this what you're suggesting JRB. I though someone else stated this. Maybe they could be an effective trap crop for cuke beetles.

9/17/2007 10:21:45 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

Sorry, I didn't read your post Vince. I remember you mentioning this before. I may give it a try next year. Thanks!

9/17/2007 11:17:06 PM

[email protected]

I've heard of the shell issue that Shannon speaks of. Maybe that's were it came from.

9/18/2007 12:23:14 AM

ohio

You Never see grass grow under a bird feeder

9/18/2007 7:06:12 AM

maine USA

I have some Giant sunflower seeds that I didn't feel that I had room to grow. But, if they draw cucumber beetles away from the pumpkin plants, I believe that I will find a place for them. The sunflowers, mixed with marigolds for squash bugs may be a good combination. thanks all, KathyT

9/18/2007 9:33:06 AM