Who else here loves sunflowers as much as I do? Sunflowers were my grandma’s favorite flower and you couldn’t go wrong when gifting her a bouquet of these beautiful flowers. My mom has one of her only tattoos of this beautiful flower which I obviously convinced her to do and she has many paintings of this vibrant flower hanging around her house. Sunflowers are basically happy flowers for our family.
In this blog, I’ll show you how to maximize this amazing flower by teaching you 3 ways to use sunflowers.
Why Sunflowers?
Sunflowers are incredibly versatile. You might think each sunflower is just a single bloom, but each flowerhead is actually made up of up to two thousand florets. These tiny flowers are packed full of nectar, making them a great treat for pollinators, attracting bees and other beneficial insects to your garden as well. Almost every part of this flower is edible including young leaves which can be cooked like spinach and the whole head could be roasted when still fresh. Plus, they are relatively easy to grow, making them perfect for both newbie and experienced gardeners.
3 Ways You Can Maximize Sunflowers
1. Sunflower Woodchips
- Using a sharp knife, cut the main stem of the giant sunflower
- Remove leaves and head
- Dry the stem (Direct sunlight will dry them faster)
- Once dried, turn into woodchips
- Use for pathways – It will provide a soft and comfortable surface to walk on compared to gravel or bare soil
2. Sunflower Tea
- Separate flowers from the head
- Dehydrate them for 3-5 hours with a low temperature between 40-50 degrees Celsius (104-122 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Once dehydrated, soak it in a cup of hot water and enjoy it as a tea
3. Sunflower Butter
- Dry the flower head under sunlight
- Separate the seeds
- Remove husk
- In low to medium heat, toast the seeds until brown
- Add any oil (olive oil will do)
- Blend until you get a buttery consistency
How To Plant Sunflowers
Step 1: Choose a Location- Select a sunny spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile
Step 2: Prepare the Soil- Loosen the soil to a depth of about 2 feet and mix in compost or organic matter. This will provide nutrients and improve drainage.
Step 3: Sow the Seeds- Plant sunflower seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Cover them with soil and gently pat down to secure them in place.
Step 4: Water the Seeds- Water the planted area thoroughly after sowing. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate.
Step 5: Thin the Seedlings- Once the seedlings are about 6 inches tall, thin them to about 12-18 inches apart. This spacing allows room for growth and prevents overcrowding.
Step 6: Support the Stems- As sunflowers grow tall, they may need support to prevent them from toppling over. Use stakes or garden twine to help stabilize the stems.
Step 7: Water Regularly- Water your sunflowers regularly, especially during dry periods. Deep watering once a week is preferable to shallow, frequent watering.
Step 8: Harvest the Seeds- Once the flower heads start to droop and the back turns brown, it’s time to harvest. Cut the heads off and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area to dry.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Sunflowers- Enjoy the beauty of your sunflowers in the garden. Once the seeds are dried, you can use them for snacks, bird feed, or replanting next season.
Growing sunflowers is a rewarding experience that contributes to a zero-waste lifestyle. By following these steps, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of sunflowers while minimizing waste. It’s also incredible how a flower could not only be used in many ways but bring up lots of happy memories always facing the sun but going through a lot of dirt to go there.
Happy growing!
