Towering all over the field and spreading cheer as they wave with gusts, the sunflower is one of the most iconic flowers in history, and no wonder – it’s absolutely gorgeous. Its large bright yellow petals are often framed by a patch of golden stamens and terminate with large black seeds that give the plant its name. This also makes this flower stand out from other blooms. But a tiny seedling turning into an awe-inspiring huge flower is an amazing experience, isn’t it? Read on to know everything about sunflowers here. Let’s begin the basics first!
Facts About Sunflowers
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Also known as ‘Helianthus Annuus’, Sunflowers are truly a sight to behold. They spread summer joy the best way and are just fine to bring sunshine to any flower arrangement. Looking just like a miniature sun, it is a multipurpose flowering plant that even delivers beneficial oil, healthy snacks and bird seeds. If all this information has piqued your curiosity, below we have dug and listed some of the facts about sunflowers that will tickle your fancy and enlighten you on what is special about the sunflower flower.
- Sunflowers are native to the United States.
- Sunflowers were an inspiration to Vincent Van Gogh for his infamous painting.
- The flower comes in all different shapes and sizes. However, the sunflower of Hans-Peter of Germany measures over 30 feet and has even its name in the Guinness Book of World Records.
- The head of a sunflower is made of many tiny flowers.
- Sunflowers are the traditional celebratory flower bouquet for the third wedding anniversary.
- You can use sunflower dry heads as a bird feeder.
- Several cultures view this flower as a symbol of courage.
- In ancient times, flowers were believed to soothe chest pain and pulmonary troubles.
- Kansas is known as “The Sunflower State.”
- Their flower arrangements are the best way to cheer up someone special.
How to Plant, Grow and Care for Sunflowers?
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Having a cheerful, daisy-like face, sunflowers are easy to grow as they are heat-tolerant and pest-resistant. In fact, their rate of growth is quite fast when compared to other flowering plants. Also, since they are native to North America, they are quite adaptable in most locations. Keep reading for information on planting, growing and caring for sunflowers.
Planting Sunflower Seeds:
- Sow the seeds directly in a spot with plenty of sunlight. The ideal time to do so is from January to June during summer and the rainy season. Also, it is crucial you shelter the seeds from strong winds.
- Different sunflowers need different planting spacing and depths. For the dwarf plants, a spacing of 50-60 cm is enough, whereas, the tall ones should have a space of about 75 cm between them.
- To encourage strong root growth, mix little fertiliser at the time of planting.
- Do not bury the seeds more than an inch deep.
- Once you have planted the seeds, water the ground thoroughly. This is because sunflower seeds contain huge amounts of natural oil.
- You can choose to sow several seeds in proximity and pull out the underdeveloped ones after a few weeks. This is called ‘thinning out.’
- The plants will flower within 2-3 months of seed sowing.
Sunflower Plant Care:
- Sunflowers do well in well-dug, well-draining fertile soil in a bright area.
- Water the root zone, about 3 to 4 inches from the plant while it is small.
- As you see your plant growing well, water thoroughly occasionally to encourage deep rooting. Don’t allow them to dry out completely.
- If you feel your sunflowers can be benefitted from better nutrition, feed them balanced, slow-acting granular fertilizer sparingly.
- Support the tall varieties with bamboo stakes or a garden cane.
- Though sunflowers are relatively pest-free, there are chances you may find the eggs of a grey moth in the blossoms. Pick them out from time to time.
- If you spot any kind of fungal disease, spray them with a general fungicide.
- So, now that you have all the right information at your disposal, grow these biggest and brightest flowers and welcome happiness, joy and not to mention, a vibrant splash of colour.
So, now that you have all the right information at your disposal, grow these biggest and brightest flowers and welcome happiness, joy and not to mention, a vibrant splash of colour.
