The Ever-Popular Sunflower

Traditional stately sunflowers (helianthus annuus) with their bright yellow blossoms are old garden favorites.

Hybridized Russian and Israeli varieties which have superior large grey and white striped hulls are commercially grown in vast fields throughout the US and into Canada. The seed is used as feed, the production of sunflower oil and many other consumer products.

They will happily grow in natural soils in all but the most northern climate zones. Improving the soil with manure and/or compost is recommended to facilitate strong healthy growth.

Recent cultural developments for the garden enthusiast include colors ranging from white to brown. They also come in a variety of sizes from miniatures of about 2 inches across to giants up to 8 foot tall with bloom the size of dinnerplates which produce extremely large seedheads.

Sunflowers can be used as background plantings where the larger varieties will make a spectacular and effective screen for very little money. Smaller plants are suitable for the flower garden or borders. The smaller varieties also make lovely bouquets to display in your home.

Sow sunflower seed when weather permits in early spring - right where they are expected to grow. Any average garden soil will do so long as they are planted in sunshine and are kept reasonably moist. Plant seed about 1/2 inch deep and 8 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Keep in mind that the sunflower is phototropic, which means that the flower buds will follow the movement of the sun from east in the morning to west in the afternoon. Once the flowers are open, they will usually all face east.

An application of fertilizer when well established will greatly benefit them and increase flower production.

As an additional bonus you can harvest the edible seed of the larger varieties for yourself. An easy and acceptable method is to tie a piece of cheesecloth or fine nylon or plastic mesh around the ripening seedhead when the back portion of the head begins to turn brown. This will prevent the birds from harvesting the seed before you do. Once the head shrivels and the seeds are dry, you can just rub them into the covering. At this point, you can also cut the stalks at ground level. These can be chopped up and put on your compost pile.

Don't forget to leave or scatter a few sunflower seeds for the birds in your back yard garden.