Details
Details
Official Name: Helianthus annuus
General description: The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a living annual plant in the family Asteraceae, with a large flower head (capitulum). The stem of the flower can grow up to 3 metres tall, with a flower head that can be 30 cm wide.
To plant sunflowers:
- Space seeds about 6 inches apart in a shallow trench between 1 and 2 inches deep. In sandy soil, 2 inches deep is better.
- Cover and keep watered until seeds sprout in 7 to 10 days.
- When first true leaves appear (the second set of leaves); thin plants to about 2 feet apart.
- Depending on the variety, sunflowers will mature and develop seeds in 80 to 120 days.
- Sow a new row every 2 to 3 weeks to enjoy continuous blooms until the first frost.
Benefits: Sunflower seeds may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar as they contain vitamin E, magnesium, protein, linoleic fatty acids and several plant compounds