Sunflowers bring a smile to anyone’s face. Its golden head rises towards the sun all day, shifting from hour to hour to soak up the light. Sunflower seeds really “shine” in the amount of nutrients they contain.

They contain 55% protein (almost as much, by weight, as steak) and considerable quantities of B vitamins … plus calcium, phosphorus, iron, nitrogen, and vitamins A and E. As an added bonus for weight watchers, the plant’s seeds test out at only 48 calories per tablespoon. And,

The petals and seeds of the sunflower can be turned into natural dyes, and the empty seed hulls are sometimes used as a coffee substitute. German pipe smokers occasionally even dry the plant’s leaves and use them for tobacco. And, if you’re a weaver, you probably already know that the stalks of the sunflower - when treated like flax - will yield silk-like fibers that are tough enough to work with.

Irrepressibly cheerful, sunflower plants shrug off aphid attacks and will struggle back from the most fatal looking damage to tiny seedlings. I love sunflowers for their visual appeal, but also for the many services they provide.

When in bloom, sunflowers offer nectar for honeybees, other bees, and other insects that pollinate my vegetables. Because the sunflowers are so attractive to aphids, these pests largely ignore my other plants. Paradoxically, the ready habitat for aphids means a better balance between predator insects and pests. Without plenty of food for predatory insects to munch on, they wouldn’t spend much time in my garden.

The sturdy stalks of sunflowers can also support peas or beans that like to climb. I never seem to have enough trellis space for climbing plants, so this is much appreciated, particularly for late season peas.

Contrary to it’s name, we found they will tolerate some shade as we put them against an east wall of our house every year. However, they will grow their best in full sun.

Deep roots help sunflowers to withstand most droughts. They will benefit from a dose of fertilizer when you apply it to the rest of your garden. Apply extra phosphorus and potassium when the flower bud begins to develop, to promote bigger blooms.

Sunflower plants can grow over 20 feet tall, and their blooms over two feet in diameter? Fall festivals often include competition for the tallest sunflower.

The most popular giant sunflower plants include: Mammoth, American Giant and Skyscraper

I also grow an heirloom sunflower called Grandfather sunflower that can grow 20 to 25 foot tall. A friend gave them to me and the seeds originally came from overseas. I make sure I save some of these seeds every year.

Want to know more about growing sunflowers in your garden?Post a  question or a comment below, please. And,

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Yours truly for a great garden with sunflowers, berries,veggies and flowers.

Polly-organic gardener