Sunflowers with pics

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Did you know sunflowers are a herb?

Mine are growing very well. The seeds were given to me, I hope there are some colorful ones amongst them.

It is possible to make a wreath from a sunflower head, with pecans, wheat and millet.

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How many sunflower colors have you seen? I haven't seen more than one color possibly.

Here is a great site with the different colors under each other:

www.nothing-but-seeds.co.uk/sunflower-seeds.htm

Some of mine could turn out to be double dandy.

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When the seed heads start to turn brown, they can be cut with 2 inches of the stem and hung to dry in a ventilated place such as a garage or attic. When they are dry, simply rub them together to loosen, soak over night in salted water and then drain. Spread them on baking sheets and roast for three hours at 200 degrees until dry. These can be stored in a container for eating. Be sure to save some seeds out before this process, place in envelopes and label for planting next year. Store them in a dry cool place until spring.

Growing sunflowers can be a unique, family project. So much can be learned about nature and the growing process, as well as teaching children patience. The end result will be something they will always remember and treasure.

www.chamomiletimes.com/articles/sunflowersanyone.htm

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www.superseeds.com/annualss-z.htm

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"HARVEST TIPS

In the early fall, check flower heads for signs of maturity. The reverse side turns from green to a yellow-brown. Large heads will nod downward. A close look will reveal the tiny petals covering the developing seeds have dried and now fall out easily exposing the tightly packed mature seeds.

To harvest the seeds ahead of the birds and squirrels, cut off the seed heads with a foot or so of stem attached and hang them in a warm, dry place that is well-ventilated and protected from rodents and bugs. Keep the harvested seed heads out of humidity to prevent spoilage from molds and let them cure for several weeks. When the seeds are thoroughly dried dislodge them by rubbing two heads together, or by brushing them with your fingers or a stiff brush. Allow the seeds to dry for a few more days then store in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator to retain flavor."

From: www.burpee.com/jump.jsp?itemID=794&itemType=CONTENT_ARTICLE

I guess I should have read this earlier. The head has been hanging down. We came outside and half the seeds were gone on our two tallest sunflowers and they even started eating the outside rim and bit off the yellow petals on one leaving a pretty carpet on the lawn and cute sunflowers in the calla leaves.

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Before picture:

[Admin]

Sunflower is pretty but the dd is gorgeous. What a smile!! Thanks br

[lucie]

admin said:

Sunflower is pretty but the dd is gorgeous. What a smile!! Thanks br

I agree 100%!

I'd love to see a sunflower wreath made like you explained in your firsts posts. Do you have a picture of one, Linda?

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Thanks, I think there was sunblock in her hair but I think it is good anyway. I will look for the wreath, thanks again.

I was so happy yesterday I picked up a country decorating magazine that I have, and a lady had my smaller colorful sunflowers in her kitchen with a darker one, which I planted seeds for I think, maybe they didn't come up, but I do have some left, maybe next year.

She lives north of Sydney which is hotter, like going south there, and she plants them 20 weeks before Christmas, so she must have a very long season of enjoying her sunflowers. Christmas is 3 weeks into summer.

[lynn]

That is the only color I have ever seen also, BR.

Beautiful little girl, I agree.

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I have ones out the front that were so tiny, but now they have survived and are so pretty, maybe I can get a picture of them.

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I'll keep trying Lucie with the wreath, it was for fall I think, it was so nice.

[Heather]

Thanks for all the information on one of my favourite flowers.

Your daughter is adorable!

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Thank you Heather, she is such a nice girl as well.

Lucie, this is another one, the first one was more a ring.

www.whiteflowerfarm.com/50148-product.html?REF=Others

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Here are some pretty sunflower head wreaths:

www.pipestemcreek.com/store/category.asp?catID=83