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
| Botanical Name | Helianthus Annuus |
| Common names | Common Sunflower, Annual Sunflower |
| Family | Aster |
| Type | Annual herb |
| Native | Americas |
| Water | Medium |
| Light | Direct sunlight |
| Soil | Dry, disturbed clays or heavy sands |
| Commonly grown | Prairies, open fields, roadsides, ornamental flower |
| Flowers colours | Yellow, red, mahogany, bicolour |
| Allergic | Yes |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to dogs, cats, horses |
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 SunflowerBlack-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 Thyme |
FAQs
What kind of nutrients do sunflower seeds contain?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one-fourth cup of dry roasted sunflower seeds contain 207 calories, having 5.8 gram protein, 19 gram fat, 7 gram carbohydrates and 3.9 gram fibre.
What kind of container would be good for indoor sunflower plant?
Use a 7-10-gallon pot, or plastic container with good drainage holes to pot your indoor sunflower plant.
An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, Sunita Mishra brings over 16 years of expertise to the fields of legal matters, financial insights, and property market trends. Recognised for her ability to elucidate complex topics, her articles serve as a go-to resource for home buyers navigating intricate subjects. Through her extensive career, she has been associated with esteemed organisations like the Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Network18, All India Radio, and Business Standard.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sunita holds an MA degree in Sanskrit, with a specialisation in Indian Philosophy, from Delhi University. Outside of her work schedule, she likes to unwind by practising Yoga, and pursues her passion for travel.
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