Sunflower plant: Tips to grow and care; use and benefits

The large, yellow, and spectacular sunflower is a sight to watch and get mesmerized by its beauty. The Common Sunflower, which goes by its scientific name, Helianthus Annuus, is valuable from many perspectives, including economic. Hence, this annual flower is grown as a crop across many countries.

See also: 21 best flowers for your garden

Sunflower: Description

An annual herb with hairy stems and equally hairy and course leaves, Common Sunflower can grow between three and 15 feet in height. Arranged in spirals, its heart-shaped leaves are broad and can be up to 3-12 inches in width. The bristle leaves are the broadest towards the beginning of the stem. The stems commonly branch towards the upper half of the plant, bearing several flower heads. The smiling flower heads have yellow petals with boast brown, maroon, yellow or purple disk. Typically, flower heads grow from 7.5 to 15.5 cm in width, but can also grow up to 30 cm. The disk in sunflowers grow to bear fruits or seeds.

The sunflower plant starts blooming in the mid-summer and can continue to do so till early autumn.

Helianthus Annuus or Common Sunflower: Key Facts 

 Also read about flower gardening for beginners

Sunflower field

see also: all about Sunflower Plant

How to grow sunflowers indoors?

Keep your sunny side up by having sunflower as a houseplant, even though it is largely associated with gardens and fields. You can grow it indoors in any season, provided its flowers receive 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, and water once a week.

Potting

Find a large container with drainage holes. Take cuttings and put them into soil. You can also grow them directly from seeds.

Fertilising

Fertilise the plant with a water-soluble houseplant fertiliser in growing season.

Pruning

They don’t require pruning. However, some trimming can be done if they have grown in clusters.

Also learn all about growing Ggarden Roses

Usage and benefits of Sunflower

Root

The crushed roots are applied to draw blister. Roots are also chewed and applied on swollen area caused by rattlesnake bites after its venom is sucked out.

Sunflower leaves

Considered as diuretic and expectorant, its leaves have astringent properties, and consumed as tea to reduce high fever. Leaf poultice is also used as remedy for snake and insect bites. Sunflower leaves are widely used as fodder for animals.

Sunflower florets

Sunflower florets are used as salad garnishing.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are high in protein, rich in healthy fats and carry antioxidants that can lower risk of developing serious illness. Source of vitamins and minerals, it can support your immune system and increase your ability to fight viruses. Sunflower seeds are also consumed in raw form. They can be roasted to enhance flavour. They are also used as topping on salads, baked breads, and cakes. You can also consumer sunflower seeds by adding them to tradil mix, oatmeal, and burgers.

Check the significance and benefits of Dandelion

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower oil

It is a lighter and healthier alternative as compared to many cooking oils. The oil is also used to make soaps.

Sunflower seeds & oil

Sunflower toxicity

Recent research shows sunflowers give toxins such as terpenes and various phenolic compounds from their parts, including roots, leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, etc. So, if you are growing them as an ornamental plant, you should know that they are invasive and might harm someone. This means, it may cause skin allergy among humans, as well as pets.

Plants resistant to Sunflower Black-eyed Susan Boxwood Clematis Coreopsis, tickseed Cotoneaster Dahlia Day lily Dead nettle, yellow archangel Echinacea, purple coneflower Heuchera, coral bells Iris Lantana Lemon balm Lupines Mint Periwinkle Pink, carnation Rose Thyme

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