Giant BIO Sunflower Seeds - Helianthus annuus

The Helianthus annuus or Giant Sunflower is an oversized and truly radiant annual plant. It develops a vertical stem that can exceed 3.50 m (11.5 ft) in height in one season. In this selection, the heads or main flowers, immense, can measure 30 to 40 cm (15.7 in) in diameter. These inflorescences are composed of a golden yellow corolla surrounding a large brown center. They attract pollinating insects, then produce a multitude of oil-rich seeds that feed birds at the end of the season. Superb in the background of a flower bed, the sunflower also finds its place in the vegetable garden or near the chicken coop. It is child's play to sow and its cultivation presents no difficulty in the sun, in rich and fresh soil.

The Helianthus annuus is none other than the famous sunflower cultivated on a large scale for the oil extracted from its seeds. This large annual plant of the Asteraceae family, domesticated for a long time by humans, has a controversial origin, but it is native to the American continent.

The spectacular flowering of this giant sunflower extends from July to September. However, we advise you to stagger your sowings to enjoy beautiful and young flowers regularly and until autumn. The flower resembles a giant daisy. It is an inflorescence in a head composed of a corolla of yellow petals or ligules surrounding a central disc where a multitude of fertile florets are packed, which will produce seeds after pollination.
Under the best conditions, it takes 12 weeks between sowing and the start of flowering. The foliage is composed of medium green leaves, single, cordate (heart-shaped), alternate, sometimes opposite at the base. They are joined to the stem by a more or less long petiole and are rough to the touch. Before flowering, the plant optimizes its growth by following the sun's course. This phenomenon called heliotropism has given rise to some of its common names: Heliotrope, Sunflower, Sunflower, Garden Sun...

Its great ease of cultivation, its large seeds that are easy to germinate are very popular with children who are introduced to the joys of gardening. The Giant Sunflower is particularly suitable for ornamental purposes in large flower beds, but also for decorating chicken coops and vegetable gardens where it will attract many beneficial animals for the gardener. It only requires sun and soil that is not too dry to flourish with simplicity. It is a vegetable plant with a rustic appearance and, as such, it will fit well in the wilder areas of the garden, in the company of artichokes, cardoons, large thistles, sainfoin, perennial peas, Jerusalem artichokes... If the weight of the flower is not suitable for making classic bouquets, it is very suitable for decorating a large jar that can be placed on the terrace.

To enjoy your Sunflower bouquets for a longer time, follow these few tips:

• Cut the flowers in the morning just after they have opened. Use a knife that has been cleaned beforehand.
• Remove the leaves starting from the bottom, leaving only 2 or 3 leaves under the flower.
• Change the water in the vase every day with fresh water.

Sunflower in the kitchen:

The buds, petals, and seeds are edible. Add a few petals to a green salad for the contrast of colors and their nutty taste. The green buds can be blanched, then sautéed in garlic butter. Their flavor is similar to that of Jerusalem artichokes. The flesh of the seed can be eaten raw or roasted.

An ecological asset:
Throughout the summer, the nectar-rich Sunflower flowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. A good way to improve the ecosystem and promote fruit and vegetable production in your vegetable garden. 
The oil-rich seeds are particularly appreciated by birds (parrots, tits, doves, goldfinches, siskins, nuthatches, finches, etc.). At the end of flowering, harvest them to make some happy during the winter scarcity.