SUNFLOWER

• These very tall and showy annuals produce edible seeds.
• The Tall Sungold variety has double golden-yellow flowers that reach about 5' tall (1.5 m).
• All sunflowers will rotate their faces toward the sun as it passes over during the day. Neat!
• Sunflowers need the full sun and extra watering but they aren't fussy about soil type.
• Plant the seeds 1/2" deep (1 cm) and 1' apart (14 cm).
• Unless they are crowding each other, sunflowers do not need thinning.
• Some varieties of sunflower will reach 15' tall (3 m) so be sure to stake them well or tie them to a fence if your garden is windy.
• For showing pick the best head before the first frosts and make sure the vase you display your sunflower head in doesn't tip over by adding some sterilized gravel for weight.
• After several frosts the heads will flop over and the seeds will fall to the ground where they will reseed themselves.
• Birds love sunflower seeds and will flock to a garden with sunflowers.
• If you want to toast the seeds for a snack:
  1. Cut off a ripened head and push the seeds off the flower head.
  2. Spread them out in a single layer on a cookie sheet and sprinkle them lightly with salt if you wish.
  3. Toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
  4. Keep your eyes on them to make sure they don't burn. Remember they'll be hot when you take them out.
  5. Let them cool before you open the shells and enjoy the seeds.