In my humble opinion, there is not any other flower that is as beautiful, strong or amazing as Sunflowers!
Here are five reasons to grow these stunning beauties in your garden!
Sunflowers are the best flower to grow.
Did you know that there are many different kinds of sunflowers? There are different colors, sizes and shapes. Each one is unique and different from the other. American Giants grow 8-15 ft. tall! The flower heads can be well over a foot across. One of my favorites is the Giant Sungold pictured below. It is a double-blooming sunflower that is thick and bushy. They can grow over six feet in height. Another name for this sunflower is Teddy Bear. Because it has the cutest look that everyone loves.
Beautiful Sungold
Bring on the Bees
#1 Growing sunflowers are like an open invitation for bees to come and pollenate the entire garden. You can’t help but stop and watch these beautiful little pollinators hard at work. They bring wonderful birds of all kinds that can help control the not so friendly garden bugs. They also attract beautiful butterflies, ladybugs & dragon flies. How can you not enjoy the amazing sight of a sunflower that is surrounded by so many other enjoyable little creatures of nature?
Companion Plants
#2 You don’t want to miss out on the many benefits that come from sunflower companion plants. Tomatoes are great with sunflowers as they attract pollinators. Cucumbers and peas benefit from the shade provided. Peppers do well also, as the sunflower improves the soil and deters pests. There are many other companion plants such as Basil, Rosemary, Brussel Sprouts, Lettuce, Cauliflower and Broccoli that the sunflower compliments.
Grow to Sell
#3 I grow them to sell in my farm stand. They sell fast and make the most attractive looking display. When you pair them with Zinnia’s, Daisies or other brightly colored flowers, they make the perfect bouquet or centerpiece for your table. The other bonus is they make a great gift to give to someone. Just another beautiful reason to grow sunflowers.
Sunflower Seeds
Beauty is where you find it!
#4 Sunflowers are beautiful at every stage. As you brush off the flowers from the seeds you can create some pretty cool looking things. Just another way to enjoy your giant sunflowers after they are done flowering. Once all of the flowers are brushed off, I have found that the best way to dry them is to hang them upside down in a cool place. I put cheese cloth tied lightly around them. The cheese cloth works great because it lets air circulate around the head so it doesn’t get moldy. The cheesecloth also catches any seeds that may fall off as they dry.
The best reason to grow sunflowers
#5 Eat some seeds & save some seeds! Be Careful not to eat them all though. You will want to save some for replanting these beauties the next year!
Replant Sunflowers in the spring. They need the soil to be at least 50 degrees to germinate.
Start the cycle again and enjoy!
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