Sunflower Ms. Mars - Helianthus annuus

Helianthus annuus 'Ms. Mars' is a stunning annual sunflower variety with large bicolour pink and cream flowers surrounding a very dark red centre. This small-sized plant develops branched flower stems and blooms for long weeks in summer. This fast-growing annual is really easy to sow and cultivate in all types of well-drained soils, and does not require staking. It is used as a border plant, in the vegetable garden, where you can also enjoy picking petals for your salad, as well as in pots on the terrace or balcony.

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 'Ms. Mars' variety is a dwarf horticultural selection, producing bushy plants that do not exceed 60cm (24in) in height. Flowering generally begins in June and can continue until October. It takes the form of 15cm (6in) diameter heads, with pink petals, cream at the tips, and a large very dark red centre. Under the best conditions, it takes 12 weeks between sowing and the start of flowering. The flower stems are short, sturdy, and well-branched. The foliage is composed of fairly dark green leaves, single, cordate (heart-shaped), dentate at the edges, alternate, sometimes opposite at the base. They are attached to the stem by a more or less long petiole and are rough to the touch.

Its ease of cultivation, large easy-to-germinate seeds, and reasonable size are very appealing to children who learn about gardening through sunflowers. Helianthus 'Ms. Mars' is particularly suitable for balcony decoration, but also for the vegetable garden, where it attracts many beneficial animals for the gardener. It only requires sun and moderately dry soil to flourish with simplicity. As a plant with a rustic appearance, it integrates well in slightly wild areas of the garden, alongside Cosmos, sainfoin, perennial sweet peas, Scabious, Gaillardias...

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

Sunflower in the kitchen:

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

An ecological asset:
Throughout the summer, the honey-rich flowers of Sunflowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. A good way to improve the ecosystem of your garden and promote the production of fruits and vegetables in your vegetable garden.
The oil-rich seeds are particularly appreciated by birds (Parrot, Tits, Goldfinch...). At the end of flowering, harvest them to make some happy during the winter period of scarcity.