What type of root system does a sunflower have (evening sun-sunflowers) and is my routine for care healthy?

Question

I've already inquired about the care and routine I do for my sunflower, but I'm looking to gain some more information. What type of root system does a sunflower have exactly? Ive googled endlessly and I keep getting these random links to the production of sunflowers, but nowhere in the reading does it specify or show a picture of the type (does it grow straight down or does it bloom sporadically?) Im wondering because I turn the soil on the top and want to know exactly how far to go down to be safe as not to hurt the root system. Also, my routine goes as follows: Inspect every morning for damage or possible areas in the soil that havent dried and remained wet/moist. Next, I inspect my stakes to make sure no bugs are nesting on or around them (they're 2 sided, so they leave space for possible bugs or insects to hide), I then hose and water the soil with a mist spray below the leaves so that I do not get them wet but moisten the bottom of the plant and the soil. Thank you!

Answer 1

Could not find a diagram, but here is some info on the root system.



Variations in the root system

Sunflower is characterised by a very deep and extensive root system, which explains the resistence to unfavourable conditions. This result was specifically found during a study in open field conditions regarding sunflower root system using low and high input level cultivation methods. Sunflower roots growth expressed as depth penetration and root density is greater than that of other crops such as maize, sorghum and soybean, ensuring and adequate supply of water and nutrients even with extensive farming methods.

Answer 2

Evening Sun Sunflower

Answer 3

Wow - I'm a little intimidated by your question, what if my answer falls short! I'm in the process of my second thinning of my Evening Suns (Helianthus annuus var. "Evening Sun") today. They were blocking sun to to some of my perennials, so they had to go. Each of them was about six foot and in bud so they would have gotten a couple of feet taller. When I pulled them (uffda) the root ball was a little larger than a soccer ball with roots very near the surface. I hope my plants never hear about the attention you lavish on your plants, they'll go out on strike. Benign neglect is the order of the day around here. RScott