Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are one of those flowers that can put a smile on anyone’s face. They are bright, cheery and represent warmth, and happiness. Their  large showy flower heads can be found in many local gardens and are the perfect choice for children’s gardens. The seeds are large and easy to handle, and the fast growing plants are easy to grow. They are rarely bothered by insects or disease and the flower heads attract birds and butterflies to the garden.

 

There are as many as 60 different varieties available ranging from the tall ‘Kong’ variety that can grow 12 feet tall, to the dwarf variety such as ‘Teddy Bear’ that grows only 16 inches making it ideal for also growing in containers.

 

The different varieties also have different flower heads as they come as doubles, singles, and in different shades of yellow, cream, red, bronze, orange and bi colour. There are other varieties available that are pollen free, sterile, and seedless that are grown for just their flowers. You can find a variety to suit any need.

 

Sunflower seeds can be directly sown into the ground in the spring, or be started indoors in pots and later transplanted outside after the last spring frost. Seeds are planted ½ -1 inch deep and take 10-14 days to germinate. Space taller varieties 2 feet apart and the smaller varieties 6 inches. They grow best in a well drained soil.

 

Sunflowers as the name suggests, are sun-loving plants needing a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day so plant them in sunny location. An interesting fact about sunflowers is that the developing flowerhead follows the sun. In the morning it faces the east where the sun rises and then slowly moves west to where the sun sets, and then the next morning the same process starts again. This process is called heliotropism.

 

There is not a lot of maintenance needed to grow sunflowers. The taller varieties may need to be staked if they are in an open area. Plants are somewhat drought tolerant but will need water during dry spells. Water deeply and less often to encourage the roots to grow down which will also help stabilize the plant.

 

The flowerhead of the large sunflowers actually consist of between 1000-2000 individual flowers that are joined at the base. The outer coloured petals are called ray florets and these flowers are sterile and protect the centre.

 

If you are growing sunflowers to harvest the seeds wait till the flower begins to die back and the bracts begin to dry. Pull out a seed and open it to check if it is full. When it is ready, cut the head off a few inches below the stalk and hang it in a ventilated area to dry. When all the seeds have dried they can be rubbed or brushed out.

 

To prevent the birds from eating the seeds while on the plant, cover the flowerhead with cheesecloth, fine mesh or pantyhose. You may want to leave a few plants for the birds to enjoy too.

 

Sunflowers are native to America and date back thousands of years. The Native Americans would grind the seeds and use them in the making of breads and cakes. Sunflower oil was also made from the seed.

 

Sunflower seeds are nutritious as they have lots of calcium and 11 other important minerals, making them a tasty, healthy snack.

 

Sunflowers also make nice fresh floral bouquets. The dwarf and pollen free, varieties work best for this as they are easier to place in a vase. The cut flowers will last 10-14 days in a vase.

 

If you are looking for a flower that has it all, then sunflowers may be what you are looking for. They are good looking, good tasting and fast and easy to grow. What more can you ask for, from a plant!

 

• Highway 16 West at Kimball Road
• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road.