Sunflower is the common name of Helianthus annuus species, from Compositae family.
Vibrant sunflowers
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Features of Sunflower
Height to 180 inches. Spread to 24 inches. Annual.
hairy, light-green, thick stem.
heart-shaped, large, toothed leaf.
daisy-like, huge, yellow flower in summer.
Growing Sunflower
- growth: Avoid growing near potatoes.
- pest: Young plants may attract slugs.
- thinning: 15 inches apart.
- transplant: 15 inches apart.
Sun worshippers cannot find a more faithful adherent than the sunflower.
At sunrise, faces are turned towards the east, and over the course of the day, they track the sun from east to west, returning eastward at night.
Each sunflower head yields up to 1,000 seeds, arranged in concentric, hyperbolic spirals in nature's example of the "golden ratio" in mathematics.
Besides being a staple at baseball games, sunflower seeds can be made into oil and butter due to its high fat content.
Sunflowers are widely used in Russia as a medicinal herb, being combined with vodka to induce perspiration.
Using Sunflower
Culinary
Salad
Add fresh or roasted seeds to salads. (Use seed)
Starches
Roasted seeds are added to breads and pastries. (Use seed)
Vegetable
Steam the buds and serve like artichokes. (Use flower)
Decorative
Decorative
Use in bouquets. (Use flower)
Household
Cleaning
Plant it near damp grounds to absorb excessive moisture.
Dye
Boil to make a yellow dye. (Use flower)
Gardening
Use the burned ashes of the stems as fertilizer (potassium carbonate). (Use stem)
Medicinal
Essential oil
Sunflower oil may help relieve coughs and bronchitis. (Use seed)
Supplement
Sunflower seeds are rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E, and may lower cholesterol. (Use seed)
Traditional Remedies
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Please consult with your doctor before using sunflower for health related purposes.
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