Sunflower

Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
Cultivation: Full sun in average soil
Color: Bright Yellow color with dark centers
Uses: A beautiful large dried flower head accent
Regions: In almost all the regions with moderate climate

Cultivation of Sunflower
A well tilled soil is desirable for growing sunflower. The soil should not have too much of clay in it. It should be well ploughed in autumn and harrowed in spring. A certain depth is necessary as the roots will spread from 12 inches to 15 inches in each direction.

Drying of Sunflower
Sunflower are picked when at its peak. They are tied in small bunches and air dried. Air drying outdoors is often possible, however, better color and flavor retention usually results from drying indoors.

Sunflower seeds usually are left on the flower to dry. The flower is wrapped with cheesecloth to prevent the birds from eating the seeds. Seeds may be dried in the sun or in a dehydrator at 100 degree F. Higher temperature affects the flavor. When seeds are dried, they can be roasted in a shallow pan at 300 degree F for 10 to 15 minutes.

Uses of Sunflower
Sunflower is a beautiful dried flower head accent. It is also used for some ornamental and medicinal uses. Face paint is made by dried petals and pollen. When stalks are dry they are as hard as most woods and therefore make an excellent fire. The dried florets are the source of red dye and safflower carmine. Dried seeds are used to make medicinal tea for treating coughs.