What can I add to a summer cover crop mix to help with soil biology?
We recommend adding sunflower. Our Common Sunflower has a robust root system that captures available soil nutrients and supports mycorrhizal fungi growth, which benefits soil health. It is a good addition to multi-species blends such as our Cover Crop Plus Summer Mix, which already includes sunflowers.
When is it warm enough to plant sunflowers as a cover crop in WA?
Plant our Common Sunflower once soil temperatures are over 14°C, typically from spring into summer depending on your district. Sow into good moisture for reliable establishment, especially in the wheatbelt. It suits heavier soils in areas with 350mm+ rainfall and survives best at a soil pH above 5.
How much sunflower seed do I need per hectare?
We recommend sowing our Common Sunflower at 5–8 kg/ha as a single species. In a multi-species cover crop the sunflower rate is usually reduced to suit the other components. Our Cover Crop Plus Summer Mix already includes sunflowers, and our Mix & Match Custom Pasture Blends service can work out the right proportion for you.
What rainfall and soil does Sunflower Common suit?
Our Common Sunflower suits areas with 350mm+ rainfall and performs best on heavier soils. It survives best at soil pH above 5, so lime acidic soils before sowing. Good soil moisture at sowing and some follow-up rain help it establish and grow its deep, robust root system.
My paddock sits wet after summer storms. Will a sunflower cover crop cope?
Our Common Sunflower is listed as tolerant of waterlogging, so it should cope with a paddock that sits wet after summer storms. It suits heavier soils in areas with 350mm+ rainfall and survives best at a soil pH above 5. Talk to us about your paddock before sowing.
Is there a summer plant that will help scavenge nutrients left over after harvest?
Sunflower is a good nutrient scavenger. Its robust root system captures nutrients available in the soil, and it supports mycorrhizal fungi growth. Combine our Common Sunflower with legumes such as Buff Cowpea or Ebony Cowpea and our Buckwheat for a broader summer cover crop.
What should I mix with sunflowers in a summer cover crop?
We usually pair Common Sunflower with warm-season species such as Shirohie Millet, Buff Cowpea or Ebony Cowpea, Dash Lablab and Buckwheat. The legumes fix nitrogen, the grasses add biomass, and sunflower's robust roots capture nutrients and support mycorrhizal fungi. Our Cover Crop Plus Summer Mix is a ready-made option, and our Mix & Match Custom Pasture Blends service can build a blend.
Can cattle or sheep graze a sunflower cover crop?
We sell our Common Sunflower as a cover crop rather than a grazing crop, so we don't list it for stock feed on its own. If you want a summer cover crop that can also be grazed, we recommend our Cover Crop Plus Summer Mix, which includes sunflowers and is listed for grazing as well as cover cropping.
Is Sunflower Common the same as a grain sunflower hybrid?
Our Common Sunflower is sold as a cover crop and mix component rather than a grain hybrid. It is chosen for its robust roots, nutrient capture and support for mycorrhizal fungi. If you want a sunflower for grain production, talk to us about your needs.
What's a good tall, deep-rooted plant to add diversity to a lifestyle block cover crop?
We suggest our Common Sunflower. It adds height and a robust root system to a summer mix, and supports soil fungi. Plant once soil is above 14°C, at 5–8 kg/ha on its own, in areas with 350mm+ rainfall and pH above 5. It is also a component of our Cover Crop Plus Summer Mix.
