Growing Sunflower in Kericho
Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kericho is only marginally suited to Sunflower. Kericho's soil (pH 5.94, slightly acidic) gives Sunflower a suitability score of 42/100. Match fertilizer to Kericho's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kericho County is a challenging environment for Sunflower (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.94 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #76 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kericho County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Kericho's 42/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 394 kg/acre (~KES 18,912/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kericho's soil: Kale (Sukuma Wiki), Sweet Potato, and Wambugu Apples — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kericho soil | Sunflower needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.94 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.34 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 225 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 400–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,000 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kericho
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Kericho's nitrogen (1.34 g/kg) already meets Sunflower's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kericho's 2,000 m altitude and 1,800 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag