toxins in sunflower seeds effect on surounding plants
Posted by Roger Littell on March 23, 2007
Q: I have bird feeders in the middle of a new flower bed. I want to add azaleas to the bed. Will the seed dropings effect the health of the new plants?
State: North Carolina
A: I think you're referring to the fact that Sunflowers can have an inhibiting effect on surrounding plant growth?
Our unit on allelotoxins (Backoff!) mentions that sunflowers have this ability but I don't think this should be an issue for your other plants. Sunflower seeds that fall to the ground and germinate can easily and quickly be pulled out so unless you allow them to continue to grow, it shouldn't be a problem. Actually, I've found that seeds, especially all of the hulls from my birdseed, help to provide a kind of mulch for my soil. Your azaleas will prefer soil a bit on the acid side so keep that in mind for your flower bed soils.
Hope this helps.
John Wiessinger ( March 23, 2007)