Sunflowers

When can I Plant Sunflowers?

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:31:15 GMT

When can I Plant Sunflowers?

The central rule of thumb is to plant after the last day of expected frost in your area. Remember, sunflowers are frost sensitive. A few days too early can mean the difference between a beautiful flower garden....and a disaster.

Planting Zone Map

Learn what planting zone you live in:

Knowing your planting zone can be very useful when your are planning your garden and flower bed areas.

When you order plants online or through a catalog it is very useful for you to know what will have the best success in your zone.

Most plants are marked with a zone number. Use this map to know what plants will do best in your zone.

USDA PLANTING ZONE MAP

Using the Zone Map is really very simple. Find your geographic location on the map. Observe the corresponding color to that location. Look at the map key. That number designates the zone in which you live.

You should select products that can survive in your zone. Simply read the item description and you will find a either a zone number or a range of zones. The lower of the the two zone numbers tells you the lowest recommended zone in which that plant can survive. Sometimes, an item will thrive outside that zone area. Remember this is only a guide.

For more information visit:

Indicator Plant Examples Listed by Zone

Plant Hardiness Zones, Details

From: Plant Power

AVERAGE DATES OF FIRST AND LAST FROST
NOTE: The dates below are for the Northern Hemisphere
(Adjust appropriately for Southern Hemisphere)

Zone 1
Average dates Last Frost = 1 Jun / 30 Jun
Average dates First Frost = 1 Jul / 31 Jul Note: Vulnerable to frost 365 days per year

Zone 2
Average dates Last Frost = 1 May / 31 May
Average dates First Frost = 1 Aug / 31 Aug

Zone 3
Average dates Last Frost = 1 May / 31 May
Average dates First Frost = 1 Sep / 30 Sep

Zone 4
Average dates Last Frost = 1 May / 30 May
Average dates First Frost = 1 Sep / 30 Sep

Zone 5
Average dates Last Frost = 30 Mar / 30 Apr
Average dates First Frost = 30 Sep / 30 Oct

Zone 6
Average dates Last Frost = 30 Mar / 30 Apr
Average dates First Frost = 30 Sep / 30 Oct

Zone7
Average dates Last Frost = 30 Mar / 30 Apr
Average dates First Frost = 30 Sep / 30 Oct

Zone 8
Average dates Last Frost = 28 Feb / 30 Mar
Average dates First Frost = 30 Oct / 30 Nov

<FONTSIZE=4>Zone 9
Average dates Last Frost = 30 Jan / 28 Feb
Average dates First Frost = 30 Nov / 30 Dec

Zone 10
Average dates Last Frost = 30 Jan or before
Average dates First Frost = 30 Nov / 30 Dec

Zone 11
Free of Frost throughout the year.

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Tags: Sunflowers, Zone Planting Map, Last Frost date, First Frost Date

Teddy Bear Sunflower

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 18:32:16 GMT

Teddy Bear Sunflower

Flowers: Summer

Height: 24 inches

Position: Full Sun

Ideal for: Bedding, Border, Children, Cut Flower, Flower Arranging

Germinatin: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description

Big, double, fluffy teddy bear of a flower, 4in or more across. A real eye-catcher in the border, looks good in containers and is a must for its long lasting, impressive appearance in a vase. Height 24in.

Sow early spring to early summer outdoors where they are to flower. Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow 12mm (½in) deep in rows 45cm (18in) apart.

They prefer a sunny open site but will grow in most sites and soils.

The green buds before the flower opens are delicious cooked in butter sauce and the seeds make a tasty snack.

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Tags: Teddy Bear Sunflower

Anyone Can Grow Sunflowers!

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:08:08 GMT

Anyone Can Grow Sunflowers!

By Brenda Hyde of Old Fashioned Living

Sunflowers are easy, and inexpensive to grow, and yes, everyone can do it! The days of sunflowers being contained to the vegetable garden are over. There are now varieties that can be grown in large pots and containers, as well as corners of your yard or garden. Children of all ages love sunflowers and can participate in choosing the variety, planting and harvesting.

The Basics

These are the basic technical tips you need to know about Sunflowers, or Helianthus Annus (their official name).

Plant in full sun, where they will not shade other plants.
Be sure to plant after the last frost in your area.
The seeds should be 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart when planted.
When the seedlings pop up, thin them to 1 1/2 foot apart or one foot for the dwarf varieties. (In containers you can squeeze them closer)
Water well after planting.

Choosing Your Sunflowers

Children can be involved in every aspect of your sunflower garden. You can guide them in choosing the seeds. These are just a few of the options you will have.

Teddy Bear:

This variety has a full, almost "fuzzy" look and grows only 18 inches tall. You can plant this type in patio boxes or large pots. If you are in an apartment or limited on space this is perfect!

Music Box:

This is also considered a dwarf variety at 28 inches. You can buy a mix of this, so you end up with yellows and creams. This is also a wonderful container sunflower.

Autumn Mix

The colors are yellow and rust; they grow tall, usually over 6 foot. We grew them in a very small corner off our porch and were able to use twine and tie them for support. The gold finches loved this variety. The flower heads are about 5 or 6 inches wide.

Italian White:

These cream colored sunflowers are small, but cheerful. They grow up to 4 foot tall, but stake easily. The gold finches also loved this variety. These too are great for a small corner of your yard or garden.

Large Varieties:

You will have many large varieties to choose from. Russian Giants grow 20 inch seed heads and the Kong Sunflower grows 10-15 foot tall. You will need more space for these, but they are worth it!

Planting Your Seeds

Using the tips above, plant your seeds after the last frost. The children can easily do this with a ruler, and a gardening spade or large spoon. Any soil will work, but a well drained soil with peat added is a better choice. Have the kids dig a bag of peat (very inexpensive)into the area you will be planting in. For the giant sunflowers, a strip of soil, about 1 1/2 to 2 foot wide or wider is great, especially against a fence where they can be tied to protect against the wind. Don't be afraid to experiment! If you have a spot that needs something cheerful, then use it! Another project for the kids, with your help, is drawing out the area you will planting in and laying out the steps involved. This can be done ahead of time to get them excited. Remember that you don't have to plant the entire packet of seeds, or limit yourself to one large area. Using several small corners or strips of soil works well.

Growing and Harvesting

Sunflowers will pop out of the ground in a week to two weeks, and will start out slowly. If you notice birds or other animals bothering the little seedlings you can tent a piece of chicken wire, a milk jug with the top and bottom cut off or something similar to protect them. They will pick up speed in their growing process, and the children can be responsible for watching them, watering them, and placing cut up leaves or another type of mulch carefully around the bottoms of each plant.

Many people harvest all of the sunflowers and don't allow the birds to feed. I think for children, a nice alternative is to cover some of the heads with cheesecloth, mesh bags or old pantyhose, so you can roast the seeds later, but leave the other flowers for the birds. The children can record which birds come to the plants and how many, as an extra project.

When the seed heads start to turn brown, they can be cut with 2 inches of the stem and hung to dry in a ventilated place such as a garage or attic. When they are dry, simply rub them together to loosen, soak over night in salted water and then drain. Spread them on baking sheets and roast for three hours at 200 degrees until dry. These can be stored in a container for eating. Be sure to save some seeds out before this process, place in envelopes and label for planting next year. Store them in a dry cool place until spring.

Growing sunflowers can be a unique, family project. So much can be learned about nature and the growing process, as well as teaching children patience. The end result will be something they will always remember and treasure.

Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer, wife and mom to three living in the Midwest. She is also editor of http://oldfashionedliving.com, where you will find articles on gardening, herbs, crafts and other old fashioned topics.

Tags: Italian white, Russian Mammoth, Autmun Mix, Giant varities, Music Box

Welcome to Sunflowers

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:27:29 GMT

Welcome to SUNFLOWERS

Since I now have my "Zany for Zinnias," my Cosmos and my Marigolds blogs up and running, (and growing well mind you) I am beginning my fourth flower blog.

I have some thirty-eight other internet sites on prose, inspirational writings and medical conditions. But, I needed a change and what a better idea could there be then starting some blogs on my favorite flowers and ideas on gardening.

Without a doubt, the giant among flowers in anyone's garden is the Sunflower. They also come is a myriad of varieties and styles and heights.

A special benefit too is the seeds that they produce. Not only do people enjoy them, but they attract birds by the zillions.

They are native to the Americas also, are easy to grow and are relatively carefree.

Enjoy

Pat O'Connor

01/30/2007

Tags: Sunflowers

Italian White Sunflower

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 04:02:50 GMT

Italian White Sunflower

"Italian White’s" flowers are actually pale yellow to creamy white in color. Its 4 to 5 inch blooms are borne on branching stems making it an ideal cut flower. A unique heirloom addition to the flower garden.
The long, pale yellow petals of the Italian White lead to a chocolate-brown center making a strinkingly beautiful contrast. Multi-branching stems of this mid-size sunflower bear multitudes of 3-4 inch blooms. Strong, sturdy stems enable a longer blooming season than that of the typical sunflower. Cut flowers just before they open for a beautiful, long lasting bouquet.

Select sunny location with well-drained soil and plant after all danger of frost is past. For earlier blossoms, start indoors 5-7 weeks before last frost. Cultivate soil and firm over seed, keeping it moist.

Do not over water and do not fertilize.

10-20 days to germination.

H. cucumerifolius Creamy white blossoms surrounding a dark brown center make this variety unique. Although thought to be an heirloom variety brought to the US by European immigrants, it has also been observed as a wild desert variety. Regardless of its origin, Italian White's multi-branching habit and 4 foot height offer a charming counterpoint to other sunflowers in your garden.

Special Directions for Short Season Climates
SOWING: Sow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be sown earlier indoors in pots, 3 to 4 weeks before setting out. Cover seeds with ¼" fine soil. Provide indoor started seedlings with plenty of light.
THINNING & SPACING: Carefully thin or transplant young 2 to 3 inch seedlings to about a foot apart to allow for eventual growth.
GERMINATION: 10 to 20 days. Keep soil moderately moist during germination.

Tags: Italian White Sunflower, H. cucumerifolius

Red Sunflowers

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:49:28 GMT

Red Sunflowers

Sunflower - Prado Red

F1) Prado Red is one of the first sunflowers to bloom, making it an ideal choice for home gardens and for cut flower production. A multi-branched variety, Prado Red produces 15-20 beautiful deep red flowers per plant. It grows 5 1/2-6 feet tall, and each 14-21 inch branch is graced with a 5-6 inch flower. Slightly more sensitive to cold temperatures than other varieties, so wait until all danger of frost is past to plant.

I found these at the

Territorial Seed Company

They have another variety which is almost totally red as well.

Sunflower - Double Dandy

and yet another that is red with a very small yellow band just out from the seed pod.

Sunflower - Red Sun

There is yet another one called:

Sunflower - Floristan

Tags: Prado Red, Red Sunflower, Double Dandy, Red Sun,

Make way for the fun flowers

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:01:34 GMT

Make way for the fun flowers

For gardeners, the color's the thing. (File/The Spokesman-Review )

Virginia A. Smith
Philadelphia Inquirer
April 24, 2007

Few flowers provide as much joy — and instant karma — as the homegrown sunflower.

Simple, straight and very yellow, it shoots up quickly, tilting its massive self this way and that, following the sun like some lumbering coquette.

At least, that's the popular image of the annual officially known as Helianthus annuus, which comes from the Greek words helios for sun and anthos for flower.

But this North American native is far from common anymore.

Imagine petals cultivated in shades of cream, persimmon or apricot, with centers the color of dark chocolate, lime sorbet or cornbread.

"They're just magical-looking, nothing like them," says Ron Kushner of Lafayette Hill, Pa., who likes to plant many-hued foot-highs in the front of his garden border and 15-foot giants in the back.

The colors sound good enough to eat — and plenty of birds and animals love the seeds' nutty taste. So do humans, especially baseball players and truck drivers.

"We call them spitting seeds," says Larry Kleingartner, head of the National Sunflower Association in Bismarck, N.D.

For gardeners, color's the thing, along with the plant's romping growth rate and blossom size, 4 inches to a foot or more across.

So continue imagining here. You put those many-splendored blooms atop prickly green stalks that come thin as a toothbrush or thick as a baseball bat. The stalks span heights from about 12 inches to — stand back — a "Guinness Book of World Records" 25 feet. More commonly,

the tall ones top out at 12 or 15 feet.

Plant a group and the effect is fantastic. You begin to understand why Rebecca Boylan and so many other gardeners are wild about sunflowers.

Boylan's been growing different varieties for 19 years, since she and her husband moved to a house in Pottstown, Pa., with an acre and a half out back. She favors mixes like 'Fantasia' and 'Pastiche,' and even created a sunflower tepee in the yard for her son when he was little.

"Sunflowers grow like crazy. They're very easy. You get instant gratification, and they're such happy plants," Boylan says, anthropomorphizing just a bit.

But she may be onto something.

Kleingartner has a similar explanation for why we find this sunny classic so irresistible.

"It's a very humanlike figure," he says. "You've got the big leaves that look like arms, then you've got this face, this friendly, smiling, sunny face.

"I think that appeals to people, especially kids," says Kleingartner, whose organization comprises 10,000 commercial sunflower-growers in the Upper Midwest and Kansas.

They grow wild sunflowers, which are smaller than the ornamental ones. They also have multiple branches and heads — and are still considered a weed by most farmers.

North American Indians originally cultivated sunflowers to make everything from cooking oil and a coffee-type drink to home remedies and dyes. The Teton Dakota liked to say that when the sunflowers were tall and blooming, the buffalo

would be fat and the meat good.

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/local/story.asp?ID=185755

Tags: sunflowers

How To Grow Sunflowers

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 13:02:30 GMT

How To Grow Sunflowers

Charles T. Behnke

Sunflower is the common seed name for the genus Helianthus. The sunflower is native to North America, and was used by early North American Indians for food and pressed to make hair oil. Meal from processed seed has been used for livestock feed. Today, whole seeds are used for oil, bird seed and snacks. The seeds are a rich source of calcium plus 11 other minerals. The 50 percent fat composition is mostly polyunsaturated linoleic acid.

Uses

As a garden plant, the sunflower is valuable for forming a background screen. A rapid grower, it reaches a height of 8 to 12 feet in rich soil.

This rapid growth could cause competition with other garden plants, especially by shading. Sunflowers can be planted between groups of shrubs, particularly where these form a background. For smaller gardens, the multi-branched species are more suitable. Dwarf forms of 24 inches in height make a spectacular bed by themselves.

When growing sunflowers for bird food or human consumption, select the confectionery types over the oil types.

Culture

Sunflowers do best when grown on soils with adequate water-holding capacity, internal drainage and proper fertility. They will tolerate a wide range of soil types; however, one that is too high in nitrogen encourages excessive plant growth that will check maturity of the flower heads. Adequate levels of phosphorus and potassium are recommended, and, as with any garden activity, frequent soil tests are recommended to get good results. The plant's roots go deep and spread extensively, so the sunflower can withstand some drought and nearby cultivation. Sunflowers should not be water stressed during the critical period; about 20 days before and after flowering.

Plant seed into moistened soil one to two inches deep, but no deeper than three inches. Space seed 12 inches apart in rows spaced 2 to 2 1/2 feet apart. Plants grown for large heads should be spaced farther apart or scattered around the garden.

In Ohio, planting can take place from early to mid-May. Seed bed soil temperature must be between 42 and 50 degrees F with temperatures above 50 degrees F preferable for germination to occur rapidly. Depending on variety and environmental factors, germination will occur in 7 to 12 days. Plants will mature in 80 to 90 days.

For the home situation, seed can be started in four-inch peat pots and transplanted outdoors. Transplants may grow taller and flower sooner than seed started plants. They should start to flower in ten weeks.

Weeds can be a problem for sunflowers. Weed control is practiced for the first four to five weeks after seed emergence. For the home garden, hand weeding and mulching are the best methods.

Diseases and Pests

A common disease of sunflowers is Sclerotina or white mold, which causes stalk and head rots. Disease spores can live for many years in the soil. Other common diseases are downy mildew, rust and verticillium wilt. Sanitation and crop rotation should be considered for control in the home garden.

The sunflower head moth is the major insect pest. The moth attacks at flowering time with the larvae feeding on floral parts and tunneling through developing seed. Aphids and whiteflies also can be a problem.

Birds can be troublesome near harvest time. Seeds are exposed and the large flower head serves as a feeding perch. To deter birds, use frightening devices and human activity in the immediate area before damage is expected. Flower heads can be covered with plastic netting or cheesecloth.

Harvesting

Harvest begins in mid-September and can run into October. A check of the flower head will indicate maturity; florets in the center of the flower disk are shriveled, heads are downturned, and a lemon yellow color is on the backside. Pull a few seeds and split them with a knife to check if seed meat has filled. Poorly filled seeds may be due to a lack of pollinating insects.

To harvest, cut the seed head with about a foot of stem attached and hang in a warm, dry, well-ventilated, rodent and insect-free place. A paper bag with holes or cheesecloth can be placed over the heads to catch falling seeds as they drop during drying. Seed heads can be allowed to ripen on the plant, but cheesecloth or nylon netting will be needed for bird protection. Once the seed is dried, it can be rubbed easily from seed heads. Humidity levels must be kept low to prevent spoilage.

Roasting Seeds

Raw mature seeds may easily be prepared at home by covering unshelled seeds with salted water (2 qts. of water to 1/4 to 1/2 cups salt). Bring to a boil and simmer two hours or soak in a salt solution overnight. Drain and dry on absorbent paper.

Put sunflower seeds in a shallow pan in a 300 degree F oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Take out of oven and add one teaspoon of melted butter or margarine to one cup of seeds. Stir to coat. Put on an absorbent towel. Salt to taste.

Sunflower Species

Common Sunflower (H. annuus) - Includes the cultivars H. bismarkianus's, single yellow flower, 6 to 8 feet tall; H. citrinus, primrose yellow flowers, 6 to 8 feet tall; H. giganteus, Russian Giant, large, single yellow flower grown mainly for seeds, 10 to 12 feet tall.

Silverleaf Sunflower (H. argophyllus) - Stems and leaves covered with silky gray down, especially on younger growth. Flowers golden with purplish brown center, plants 5 to 6 feet tall. Silvery leaves used in fresh and dried flower arrangements.

Cucumberleaf Sunflower (H. debilis) -Four-foot plants with multiple branches. Excellent for cutting. Three-inch flowers have a purple disk and yellow rays.

Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet Horticulture and Crop Science 2021 Coffey Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43210-1086

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1228.html

Tags: how to grow sunflowers, planting sunflowers, harvesting sunflowers

Roasted Salted Sunflower Seeds

Tue, 01 May 2007 18:27:29 GMT

Roasted Salted Sunflower Seeds

Description: Another Fall favorite are roasted sunflower seeds. In the past year or so, they have become the rage. You find them everywhere, ball games, parties, outdoor activities or just an evening snacks. Such a great taste. It's hard to believe how something this good can also be good for you.

Ingredients:

1 cup	Sunflower Seeds
2 quarts	Water
l /2cup	Salt

Note: For salt free sunflower seeds, rinse seeds and go straight to step # 7.

Preparation Directions:

Add water and salt in a pot or saucepan.
Rinse sunflower seeds and remove any plant and flowerhead matter.
Add sunflower seeds.
Bring water to a boil, then turn down to simmer.
Simmer 1 to 1/1/2 hours.
Drain on a paper towel until dry. Do not rinse.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Spread seeds on a cookie sheetand bake for 25-30 minutes.
Stir frequently.
Remove from oven when they turn slightly brown.

http://www.pumpkinnook.com/cookbook/sunflower.htm

Tags: Roasted Sunflower Seeds

Climate changes said harm sunflowers

Sun, 20 May 2007 05:07:14 GMT

Climate changes said harm sunflowers

May 19, 1:29 AM ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Imagine the Sunflower State without its sunflowers. That's one of the dire predictions contained in a new report on global warming released by the National Wildlife Federation, which says the Kansas state flower could move north to other states in a few decades.

Increasingly warm temperatures also could mean the end of the state tree, the eastern cottonwood, according to "The Gardener's Guide to Global Warming."

"Everything being equal, these plants won't thrive and will shift north," said Patty Glick, the report's author and senior global warming specialist for the National Wildlife Federation.

While conditions could change, Glick and other say projected increasing temperatures also could wipe out cool-weather grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, and many fescues that cover lawns in the region.

Some experts think global warming will cause temperatures in Kansas to rise an average of 5 to 12 degrees in the next several decades.

The projection that the sunflower could fade from Kansas' landscape surprised some experts and scientists.

"This is a plant that has survived for eons," said Dennis Patton, a horticulturist with the Johnson County Kansas State University Research and Extension office. "It is hard to believe in this short period of time that the plant would be non-existent here. Same with the cottonwood.

"I guess what I come back to, it is a good wake-up call."

John Blair, a Kansas State University professor and research scientist at the Konza Prairie research station north of Manhattan, has been conducting experiments for nine years on the effect of altered rain patterns on plants.

Blair said even if total rainfall doesn't change, computer models show the rain will come less often and will fall in strong downpours when it does come.

He is finding that plants with root systems able to reach water deeper in the earth have a better chance of survival. For plants in the wild, that means many perennials have a better chance than annuals such as the sunflower because of their more developed root systems.

What would the lack of a sunflower mean for Kansas, which has Mount Sunflower and hundreds of businesses, clubs and associations with sunflower in their titles?

"Maybe in 100 years the Texas bluebonnet will be the Kansas state flower," Patton said.

The Wildlife Federation report said the Missouri state tree and flower — the flowering dogwood and the white hawthorn blossom — are not endangered.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070519/ap_on_sc/no_sunflowers_2

Tags: sunflowers, climate change