Growing sunflowers and tomatoes together in the same garden bed can seem like an unusual combination at first glance. After all sunflowers can tower up to 12 feet tall while tomatoes typically max out around 5 feet. But experienced gardeners know that pairing these two summer favorites can have some big benefits. Read on to learn why planting sunflowers with tomatoes is an ingenious companion planting strategy.
Sunflowers Attract Pollinators That Boost Tomato Yields
One of the biggest advantages to planting sunflowers near tomatoes is that the cheerful yellow blooms will draw in pollinating insects like bees and butterflies, These beneficial bugs will then move between the sunflowers and any flowering tomato plants in search of nectar and pollen,
More pollinator visits mean more tomatoes will be successfully pollinated and go on to form fruit. So planting sunflowers with tomatoes can significantly increase your tomato yields over the season.
In fact, according to gardening expert Melinda Myers, the large flower heads of sunflowers can attract so many pollinators that almost every tomato blossom gets pollinated. She shares that pairing these plants has allowed her to harvest about two dozen more tomatoes from each of her plants.
Sunflowers Provide Support for Vining Tomato Varieties
Certain tomato types, like indeterminate varieties, grow as sprawling vines that can reach 5 feet long or more. Letting these tomatoes sprawl freely across the ground isn’t always practical. The vines and fruits will come into contact with soil, inviting pests and disease.
This is where sunflowers can lend a helping stem. Plant sunflower seeds on one side of your garden bed. Once the plants are established, train your tomato vines to grow up and around the sturdy sunflower stalks.
The sunflowers will act as vertical supports to keep your tomatoes contained and off the ground. And you’ll be making use of the bare lower portion of mature sunflower stalks that otherwise goes unused.
Sunflowers Can Help Deter Garden Pests
In addition to boosting pollinators, sunflowers also attract predatory insects that feast on common tomato pests like aphids, whiteflies, and hornworms. So planting sunflowers around your tomatoes may help control pesky insects looking for a tomato snack.
Certain sunflower varieties also emit chemicals that repel specific pests like nematodes and weevils which can damage tomato plant roots and foliage. Interplanting these helpful sunflowers with tomatoes protects your crop without the need for chemical pesticides.
Follow Proper Planting Guidelines for Success
While pairing tomatoes and sunflowers has benefits, you need to give each plant sufficient space and resources to thrive.
Sunflowers require full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. Tomatoes also demand at least 6 hours of sun but need consistently moist, nutrient-rich soil to set fruit.
Amend your garden bed with compost or manure to provide all the nutrients both crops need. Space plants at least 2 feet apart so sunflower roots have room to spread out. And stake sunflowers once they reach 1-2 feet tall to prevent them from shading tomato plants.
With good planning, you can enjoy the unique advantages of planting tomatoes and sunflowers side-by-side this season. Just be sure to time your plantings right so sunflowers reach flowering stage when tomato plants need the pollination boost most. This companion planting match is sure to result in your best tomato harvest yet!
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Sunflowers and Tomatoes Together
Can you plant sunflowers and tomatoes in the same bed?
Yes, you can successfully plant sunflowers and tomatoes together in the same garden bed. Just be sure to space them at least 2 feet apart and stake sunflowers to prevent shading.
What kind of sunflowers should I plant with tomatoes?
Choose pollen-free sunflowers marketed as “Daybreak” or “Sunbird” varieties. They will attract pollinators without cross-pollinating and reducing tomato yields.
When should you plant sunflowers with tomatoes?
Plant sunflowers 2-3 weeks earlier than your tomatoes. This allows sunflowers to reach flowering stage when tomato plants need the pollination boost most.
Do sunflowers help tomatoes grow better?
Yes! Sunflowers help boost pollination, provide vertical support, and protect tomatoes from pests – all of which can significantly improve tomato growth and fruit production.
Can you plant anything else with tomatoes and sunflowers?
Some other great companion plants for tomatoes and sunflowers include basil, borage, marigolds, and nasturtiums which help deter pests and attract pollinators.