Sunflower Florenza seeds - Helianthus annuus

The sunflower Helianthus annuus 'Florenza' stands out with its bicolour flowers of velvety brown-red, edged with gold, borne on sturdy, well-branched stems. This annual plant offers a generous summer flowering, sought after for borders, decorative vegetable gardens, and rustic bouquets. Robust, nectar-rich, and easy to grow in full sun, it appreciates rich, well-drained soils. Its main problem is strong winds.

Sunflower or Helianthus annuus 'Florenza' is an annual plant from the Asteraceae family. The species, Helianthus annuus, is native to North America, particularly the Great Plains of the United States and Canada, where it grows naturally in open prairies and well-drained soils. Introduced to Europe in the 16th century, it has become a widely cultivated plant.

'Florenza' is a cultivar with medium stature, reaching 90 cm to 1.20 m in height. It has an upright, well-branched habit and rapid growth: it is capable of flowering approximately 70 days after sowing. The leaves are alternate, ovate to triangular, with toothed margins and a rough surface. They measure between 10 and 20 cm long and are dark green in colour. The stems are robust, upright, slightly hairy, and support the weight of the inflorescences well without staking.
'Florenza' flowers from July to September. The flower heads, measuring 12 to 15 cm in diameter, are composed of sterile peripheral florets (ligulate), forming the coloured "petals", and fertile central florets (tubular), responsible for seed production. Pollination is ensured by bees and other pollinating insects attracted by the bright colour and nectar of the flowers. The fruits are achenes, commonly called sunflower seeds, oval and flattened in shape, measuring about 1 cm long. Although edible, the seeds of 'Florenza' are mainly used for ornamental purposes and cut flowers.

In the garden, Helianthus annuus 'Florenza' evokes the end of summer and its warm colours. Its medium stature and flowers, between mahogany brown and antique yellow, are eye-catching in sunny borders. It pairs well with Cosmos sulphureus 'Cosmic Yellow' and the airy panicles of Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah', for example. The white umbels of the ornamental carrot 'Dara' will temper the scene. In a pot on a sunny terrace, it makes a centrepiece that can be framed with silver foliage or more subdued flowering plants to highlight its rich colours.

Before flowering, the plant optimises its growth by following the path of the sun. This phenomenon, called heliotropism, has given rise to some of its common names: Heliotrope, Tournesol, Sunflower, Soleil des jardins...

The sunflower in cuisine: The buds, petals, and seeds are edible. Add a few petals to a green salad for colour contrast and their nutty flavour. The green buds can be blanched, then tossed in garlic butter. They taste similar to Jerusalem artichoke. The seed kernel can be eaten raw or roasted.

An ecological asset: All summer long, the honey-producing flowers of Sunflowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. A good way to improve the ecosystem and promote fruit and vegetable production in your kitchen garden.
The oil-rich seeds are particularly loved by birds (Parrots, Tits, Doves, Goldfinches, Siskins, Nuthatches, Finches...). After flowering, harvest them to feed the birds during winter scarcity.