Growing Sunflower in Mombasa
Soil suitability analysis based on Mombasa's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Mombasa is moderately suited to Sunflower. Mombasa's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Sunflower a suitability score of 72/100. Match fertilizer to Mombasa's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Mombasa County is a solid choice for Sunflower, with a soil-match score of 72/100. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Sunflower prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.95 g/kg, P 8.4 mg/kg, K 136 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sunflower, which favours sandy. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #49 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mombasa County. At current prices (about KES 48/kg) and a typical 750 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sunflower crop here can gross roughly KES 36,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Mombasa soil | Sunflower needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.95 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 8.4 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 136 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 400–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 50 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Mombasa
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Mombasa's nitrogen (0.95 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 Mombasa's 50 m altitude and 1,000 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag