50 lb bag of sunflower seeds for planting

The Ideal Size For Planting Projects 50 lb Bags of Sunflower Seeds

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

In this article, we’ll explore why 50 lb bags have become so popular for sunflower seeds destined for planting We’ll look at

• 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

Understanding typical planting rates sheds light on why 50 lb bags are ubiquitous:

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

Given these benchmarks, one 50 lb bag contains enough seeds to plant:

• 3-5 acres for wildlife
• 1 acre for doves
• 2-5 acres as a cover crop
• 200-500 feet of cut flower rows

The 50 lb bag aligns well with small to mid-size planting needs. Beyond matching up with recommended rates, 50 lb bags have inherent benefits:

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

For modest planting projects like quail food plots or establishing habitat patches, the 50 lb bag provides the perfect volume of sunflower seeds. There’s no excess bulk or added expense. These bags also store easily.

When buying 50 lb sunflower seed bags, source from reputable dealers who sell fresh seeds. Look for:

• Recently harvested seeds – New crop seeds have better viability
• Well-sealed bags – Protects viability in storage
• Acceptable germination rates – Ideally 85% or higher
• Plump, firm seeds – Sign of health; check for mold/damage
• Insecticide coating – Deters bird and rodent loss

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

To maintain viability:

• Store bags on pallets in a cool, dry, rodent-proof area
• Prevent moisture exposure by placing bags on drums with rodent guards
• For short term storage, use an air-conditioned room
• 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 future planting seasons. Handle bags carefully to prevent rips or spills.

Popular sunflower varieties sold in 50 lbs bags include:

• Peredovik – A black oil sunflower loved by wild birds
• Mammoth – A giant single-head sunflower for gardens and cutting
• Sunflower Mix – A blend of seed sizes for birds/wildlife
• Black Beauty – A classic black oil sunflower with thin hulls
• Autumn Beauty – A multi-branching type producing abundant seeds
• Hybrid Supers – Tall, pollenless sunflowers with very large heads

With so many excellent options, you can select your ideal sunflower type and planting needs, then source fresh 50 lb seed from a trusted supplier.

For the amounts needed to establish smaller habitat plots, food plots, dove fields and other mid-size plantings, the 50 lb bag of sunflower seeds is ideal. This standard go-to size offers economy, ease of handling, and simple storage. Just be sure to start with high-quality, viable seeds suited for planting so your sunflowers get off to a vigorous start! The result will be a breathtaking sea of sunny blooms.