Growing Sunflower in Bomet
Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Bomet is only marginally suited to Sunflower. Bomet's soil (pH 6.02, slightly acidic) gives Sunflower a suitability score of 48/100. Match fertilizer to Bomet's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Sunflower can be grown in Bomet County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Sunflower prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Bomet is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #83 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bomet County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Bomet's 48/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 450 kg/acre (~KES 21,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bomet's soil: Wambugu Apples, Kale (Sukuma Wiki), and Garden Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bomet soil | Sunflower needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.02 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.38 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 237 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 400–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Bomet
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Bomet's nitrogen (1.38 g/kg) already meets Sunflower's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Bomet
Varieties suited to Bomet's 1,900 m altitude and 1,500 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 sunflower varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag