Sunflower

Sunflowers are a popular flower loved by many for its vibrant look and even the taste of it's seeds. Below is some more information about sunflowers.

Planting Instructions:

1. Choose the right variety: Select sunflower seeds based on your desired size, color, and growth habit, as there are numerous types available.

2. Pick a suitable location: Sunflowers thrive in full sun, so choose a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

3. Prepare the soil: Sunflowers prefer well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Loosen the soil and mix in some organic matter, such as compost, to enrich it.

4. Determine the right time: Plant sunflower seeds outdoors after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 50-60°F (10-16°C). In colder climates, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outside later.

5. Plant the seeds: Dig a hole 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) deep for larger varieties or half an inch (1.25 cm) deep for smaller ones. Space seeds 6-18 inches (15-45 cm) apart for small varieties, and 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) apart for large ones.

6. Water the seeds: Water the seeds gently but thoroughly after planting, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7-10 days.

7. Thin seedlings: Once the seedlings have reached 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in height, thin them to the recommended spacing for your chosen variety to encourage healthy growth.

8. Care for the plants: Water sunflowers regularly, providing about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season if necessary. Provide support for tall or heavy-headed varieties to prevent them from toppling.

Harvesting Instructions:

1. Monitor the signs: Observe the sunflower heads for indications that they are ready for harvest. The back of the flower head should turn from green to brown, the petals will wilt and drop, and the seeds will plump up and turn black or gray-striped.

2. Test the seeds: To ensure the seeds are ready, gently pry out a few with your fingers or a small tool. The seeds should be plump and firm.

3. Protect from birds: If birds or other wildlife are a concern, cover the sunflower heads with mesh or cheesecloth bags to protect the seeds until they are ready for harvest.

4. Cut the flower head: When the sunflower is ready, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the flower head off, leaving about 12 inches (30 cm) of stem attached.

5. Dry the flower head: Hang the sunflower head upside-down in a well-ventilated, dry area away from direct sunlight. You can also place it on a screen or flat surface for air circulation. Allow the flower head to dry for 1-2 weeks or until the seeds are easily removable.

6. Remove the seeds: To remove the seeds, either rub two sunflower heads together or use your fingers, a fork, or a spoon to gently dislodge the seeds from the head.

7. Clean the seeds: Separate the seeds from any remaining chaff or debris. If you plan to eat the seeds, rinse them in a colander under cool running water to remove any remaining debris.

8. Dry the seeds: If the seeds were rinsed, spread them out in a single layer on a clean towel or a baking sheet, and let them air-dry for several hours or until completely dry.

9. Store the seeds: Place the cleaned and dried sunflower seeds in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. Store them in a cool, dry, and dark place. If you plan to use them for planting, keep in mind that sunflower seeds generally have a shelf life of about 1-2 years.

History of the Sunflower:

The sunflower, Helianthus annuus, is believed to have been domesticated around 3,000 BCE by indigenous peoples in North America, particularly in the region that is now the southwestern United States and Mexico. These early farmers cultivated sunflowers for their edible seeds, which were a valuable source of nutrition and oil. Sunflowers eventually spread to other parts of North America and were introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. In Europe, the sunflower quickly gained popularity as an ornamental plant, and later as a source of oil and animal feed. The Russian Orthodox Church played a significant role in promoting sunflower oil consumption due to its non-prohibition during Lent. 

Common Uses for Sunflowers:

1. Edible seeds: Sunflower seeds are a popular snack, enjoyed raw or roasted. They are rich in nutrients, including healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

2. Oil production: Sunflower oil, extracted from the seeds, is widely used in cooking and food processing due to its high smoke point, mild flavor, and health benefits, such as its polyunsaturated fatty acid content.

3. Ornamental purposes: With their vibrant colors and large, showy flower heads, sunflowers are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes, adding visual appeal and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

4. Animal feed: Sunflower seed meal, a byproduct of oil extraction, is used as a high-protein ingredient in livestock and poultry feed. Additionally, sunflowers can be grown as forage for grazing animals, providing a source of food and habitat for wildlife.

Fun Facts: 

1. Solar tracking: Young sunflowers exhibit heliotropism, meaning they track the sun's movement across the sky, turning their heads from east to west during the day.

2. State symbol: The sunflower is the official state flower of Kansas, reflecting the state's historical connection to the sunflower's cultivation.

3. Record-breaker: The tallest sunflower ever recorded reached a height of 30 feet, 1 inch (9.17 meters), as confirmed by Guinness World Records in 2014.

4. Fibonacci sequence: The arrangement of seeds in a sunflower head often follows the Fibonacci sequence, with spirals of seeds efficiently packing the head to optimize sunlight exposure.

Sources:

Growing sunflowers: When to plant and how to grow sunflowers. HGTV. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/flowers/growing-sunflowers-when-to-plant-and-how-to-grow-sunflowers

verified), A. (not, verified), R. M. (not, verified), S. (not, verified), A. gray (not, Editors, T., verified), D. (not, verified), S. C. (not, Celeste Longacre 10 years 5 months ago In reply to What is the name of the by Steve Claybaugh (not verified) Hi Steve, Longacre, C., & verified), M. W. (not. (2022, August 9). How to harvest sunflower seeds. Almanac.com. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.almanac.com/harvesting-sunflower-seeds

History of the sunflower. Nuseed Europe. (2019, August 7). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://nuseed.com/eu/history-of-the-sunflower/

What are sunflowers used for: Uses and benefits. Sunflower Joy. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.sunflowerjoy.com/2016/06/what-sunflowers-used-uses-benefits.html

Hodgins, K. (2022, July 22). Flower Power: 10 surprising facts about sunflowers. Bob Vila. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.bobvila.com/articles/sunflower-facts/

Written by Hunter Reed, Mount Aloysius College 2023