A high yield starts with the right choice of seeds. For farmers, this is the first and one of the most important steps in planning the sowing campaign.
It is not enough to simply buy sunflower seeds — you need to consider climatic conditions, soil fertility, cultivation technology, and resistance to pests and diseases.
Key aspects when choosing seeds
To avoid mistakes and ensure a healthy harvest, pay attention to the following factors:
Adaptability to the region. Hybrids must be suitable for your region. Even high-yield seed material will not produce results if it is not adapted to the local climate and soil. Choose drought-resistant Eurosem sunflower hybrids for the south and east of Ukraine with tolerance to 7+ races of broomrape – Stark 7+ Sumo, Tor 7+ Sumo or Avalon. Sunflower hybrids under Euro-Lightning – Pegasus and Grot – are also regionalised for the steppe zone.
Resistance to diseases and pests. Modern sunflower hybrids have varying levels of resistance to broomrape, phomosis and other diseases. Check the information from the manufacturer and choose hybrids that protect your crop from the most common problems. Please note that all Eurosem sunflower seeds are treated with a clotianidin-based insecticide, which protects both the seeds in the soil and the early stages of seedling growth.
Quality and certification. When buying seeds, it is important to make sure that they have quality certificates and a guarantee of origin. This reduces the risk of purchasing poor-quality or old seeds. Each batch of Eurosem seeds is checked and accompanied by a state certificate that records all agronomic characteristics (germination, growth energy, impurities, etc.).
Soil and fertilisation requirements. Some hybrids grow better on fertile soils, others on less enriched soils. It is also worth planning fertilisation to support active plant growth.
Growing technology. Take into account sowing dates, planting depth, density and other agrotechnological aspects. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations significantly increases the chances of healthy and strong plants.
Choosing seeds by region and sowing dates
For late sowing dates, it is recommended to choose hybrids with a short growing season, such as Stark 7+ Sumo or Tor 7+ Sumo. They develop quickly and produce a stable yield even in a shortened season.
For the south and east of Ukraine, where moisture shortages often occur, drought-resistant hybrids such as Stark 7+ Sumo, Avalon and Pegasus are optimal. The latest sunflower hybrid, Pegasus, using Euro-Lightning cultivation technology, allows you to control the appearance of broomrape by applying a herbicide based on imazamox and imazethapyr.
Where and how to buy sunflower seeds?
To ensure guaranteed quality, it is worth buying seeds from trusted suppliers. On the Eurosem website, you can not only buy sunflower seeds, but also get advice on the best hybrids for your region.
It is also useful to pay attention to fertiliser complexes and special programmes that help increase crop yields and plant resistance to stressful conditions. The right choice of seeds combined with proper fertilisation is the key to a healthy and productive harvest.
Remember that seeds are the foundation of your future harvest. Plan ahead, choose proven hybrids, and consider all factors from soil to climatic conditions. This will ensure that your plants are strong and your harvest is as high as possible.