Suddenly Sunflowers, Part II
We continue this week with a closer look at growing and using the Sunflower. If you missed part one, take a look at the link for the last article...lots more information you won't want to miss!
For now, though, let's continue...
Culinary Use
Of course, many of us are happy with Sunflower seeds as a simply nutty snack on their own! But, as mentioned above, they provide a healthy alternative to fatty snacks, higher calorie cooking oils and as flavorful baking flour. We find Sunflower included in everything from salads and breads to pancakes and many main dishes. Find any health food, vegetarian, or low fat cooking recipe source, and you're bound to find an enormous variety of uses for this humble little seed.
Gardening with Sunflowers
It is suspected that at one time there were over 2000 varieties of Sunflower, but many may well be extinct. Currently, approximately 50 varieties are considered common, ranging in size and color from the standard yellows to some brilliant fiery reds and mixes therein. Most are annual but some perennial cultivars are now available as well. Sizes range from the small daisy like flowers about 6 inches tall, to the giant, mammoth Sunflowers reaching up to 15 inches diameter. (Trivia: The largest sunflower head was grown in Canada and measured 32-1/2 inches across its widest point. The shortest mature sunflower was just over 2 inches tall and grown in Oregon using a bonsai technique.) The stem of the Sunflower is rough and hairy, and while we think of them having one large flower, the flower head is in fact composed of many small tubular flowers growing from one flat disk.
Sunflowers will tolerate almost any soil except heavy clay. (I can, sadly, attest to that - my clay soil turns the mammoth varieties into tiny, weak, daisy like creatures.) They prefer, however, a lighter, well-tilled soil rich in nutrients, and will benefit from an addition of well-rotted manure or compost during the growing season. The soil needs to be well tilled quite deeply, as Sunflower roots can spread up to 15-inches in all directions. To grow Sunflower, it's best to follow the directions for the variety you wish to plant. Generally, sow seeds in early Spring, after danger of frost, in full sun. Feed regularly as the plants are heavy feeders, and as they utilize a great deal of soil resources, do not plant Sunflowers in the same soil from year to year....crop rotation is a must. If the plants are well spaced, staking will most likely be required, especially for the larger varieties. Also, consider planting Sunflower in overly wet areas, as they consume vast quantities of water and can actually help dry out the surrounding soil.
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