The Ideal Size: 50 lb Bags of Sunflower Seeds for Planting

When it comes to sunflowers, the bold, beautiful blooms are just the beginning. Sunflower seeds provide important food and habitat benefits for wildlife and humans alike. With many agricultural and garden uses, sunflower seeds are a versatile product perfect for large-scale planting projects. For these endeavors, 50 lb bags offer the ideal packaging size.

In this guide, we’ll look at why 50 lb bags are so popular for sunflower seeds destined for planting including

• Sunflower seed planting rates and coverage
• Benefits of 50 lb bags for planters
• What to look for when buying sunflower seeds in bulk
• Tips for storing and handling 50 lb bags
• Top sunflower varieties sold in 50 lb sizes

Whether you’re planting acres of sunflowers or just need enough seeds for a backyard habitat plot, let’s explore why 50 lb bags have become a planting standard.

Sunflower Planting Rates

To understand why 50 lb bags are ubiquitous, it helps to know typical sunflower planting rates:

• For wildlife food plots, plant at 10-15 lbs per acre, or 25-30 lbs broadcast spread
• For dove fields, recommended rates are 40-50 lbs per acre
• As a cover crop, 10-20 lbs per acre is common
• For cut flower rows, plan for 2-4 lbs per 100 feet

Given these benchmarks, a 50 lb bag contains enough seeds to plant 3-5 acres for wildlife, 1 acre for doves, 2-5 acres as a cover crop, or 200-500 feet of cut flower rows. The bag size nicely aligns with small to mid-size planting needs.

Why Choose 50 lb Bags for Sunflowers?

Beyond neatly matching up with planting rate guidance, 50 lb bags have inherent benefits:

• Cost savings – More economical per pound than smaller sizes
• Less waste – Easy to use up entire bag without spoilage
• Portability – Manageable for one person to handle
• Storage – Fits on shelves, in chest freezers for climate control
• Standard size – Sunflower seed suppliers widely offer 50 lb bags
• Convenience – Sized for small acreage; farmers often start with 50 lbs

For modest planting projects like feeding quail or establishing a habitat plot the 50 lb bag provides the ideal amount of sunflower seeds without excess bulk or added expense.

Buying Tips for 50 lb Sunflower Seed Bags

Since sunflower seeds sold for planting are living products, here are a few tips for sourcing 50 lb bags:

• Buy from reputable dealers – Established farm/feed stores sell fresh seeds
• Choose recently harvested seeds – New crop seeds have better viability
• Inspect bag seals – Well-sealed bags protect seed viability in storage
• Verify acceptable germination rates – Ideally 85% or higher
• Check for mold/damage – Healthy seeds should be plump and firm
• Look for insecticide coating – Treated seeds deter bird/rodent loss

High-quality seeds give crops the best possible start. Top sellers stand behind their seed with guarantees.

Storing and Handling 50 lb Bags

To maintain seed viability:

• Store bags on pallets in a cool, dry, rodent-proof area
• Prevent moisture exposure by placing bags on 55 gallon drums with rodent guards
• For short term storage, an air-conditioned room works well
• For longer storage, use chest freezers kept at 0-10°F
• Let bags acclimate for 24 hours before opening to avoid moisture condensation

Proper storage keeps seeds viable for planting seasons to come. Handle bags with care to avoid rips or spills.

Top Sunflower Varieties Packaged in 50 lbs

Popular sunflower types sold in 50 lb bags include:

Peredovik – a black oil sunflower loved by wild birds

Mammoth – a single-head giant sunflower for gardens and cutting

Sunflower Mix – a blend of seed sizes for birds and wildlife

Black Beauty – a classic black oil sunflower with thin hulls

Autumn Beauty – a multi-branching sunflower producing tons of seed

Hybrid Supers – tall, pollenless sunflowers with very large seed heads

With so many excellent options to choose from, you can’t go wrong with a 50 lb bag. Determine your ideal sunflower type and planting needs, then source fresh seed from a trusted supplier.

The Standard Size for Small to Mid-Size Plantings

For amounts needed to establish food plots, habitat patches, dove fields, and other small to medium scale plantings, the 50 lb bag of sunflower seed is just right. This standard size offers economy and portability, while storing easily. Just be sure to buy high-quality seed suited for planting to get superior germination and growth. Then watch your chosen sunflower variety put on a stunning show!