Sunflower Music Box seeds - Helianthus annuus

Helianthus annuus 'Music Box', or Dwarf Sunflower, brings together plants with very varied flowers, in a symphony of vibrant colours offering a whole range of splendid shades, ranging from cream-white to mahogany, including some beautiful bicoloured flowers. Their modest size is also an asset in sunny borders, flower beds, and decorative pots that will adorn the terrace. These fast-growing annual plants are very easy to succeed in the sun and will thrive in any fertile and well-prepared soil.

Helianthus annuus is none other than the famous sunflower grown on a large scale for the oil extracted from its seeds. This large annual plant from the Asteraceae family has been domesticated for a long time by humans and has a controversial origin, but it is known to be native to the American continent. The 'Music Box' selection produces plants that do not exceed 65cm (26in) in height and have a spread of 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in). It is also distinguished by its highly coloured inflorescences, in 11cm (4in) diameter heads, of solid or bicoloured forms, with a brown centre. Its flowering period extends from July to September, and its very fast growth is an asset for latecomers! Under the best conditions, there are 12 weeks between sowing and the start of flowering. The floral stems are very strong and sparsely branched, adorned with medium green leaves that are simple, cordate (heart-shaped), alternate, except at the base where they are sometimes opposite. They are joined to the stem by a more or less long petiole and have a rough touch.

Its ease of cultivation, its large easy-to-germinate seeds, and its small adult size are very popular with children who are introduced to the joys of gardening. The 'Music Box' Sunflower is enchanting when planted in low flower beds, borders, sunny rockeries, or large pots. It is also welcome near a swimming pool or in front of a grove of trees, as it surprisingly tolerates partial shade very well. It only requires a bit of sun and soil that is not too dry to thrive effortlessly.

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

Sunflower in the kitchen:

The buds, petals, and seeds are edible. Add a few petals to a green salad for the contrast of colours and their nutty taste. The green buds can be blanched and then sautéed in garlic butter. Their flavour 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 flowers of Sunflowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. It's 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 (Parrots, Tits, etc.). At the end of flowering, harvest them to make some happy during the winter scarcity.