ORGANIC SUNFLOWER SEEDS

ORGANIC SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Description:
The Sunflower is an annual plant, with a large flowering head. Sunflowers can grow very high, some reaching as high as 3 meters (9 3/4 ft).  Likewise, the head is very large and can reach 30 cm (11.8 in) in diameter.  Although the head is frequently referred to as the flower but it is actually made up of many small flowers, or florets, crowded together, which form a striking pattern.  These florets mature into seeds, which are actually the fruit of the plant.

Cultivation and Harvesting:
Sunflowers are easy to grow provided they have direct sunlight. Well-prepared, rich, fertile soil will yield large flower heads and large seeds.

Your will not need to pay any attention to your Sunflowers until the heads begin to turn brown and ripen.  It is difficult to say when you should harvest these plants, as this depends upon climatic conditions.  If the weather is warm and dry the plants can ripen naturally, however it the weather is wet the plants should be cut and allowed to ripen at ground level.

Uses:
Sunflower seeds are used as a healthy snack.  The oil extracted from their seeds is used for cooking.  Sunflowers are also used as a source of biodiesel, livestock feed and as ornamental plants.

Medicinal Uses:
Sunflower seeds have diuretic and expectorant properties. They have been used to treat headaches, coughs, bronchitis, kidney weakness, and rheumatism and bruises.

Helianthus, better known as the Sunflower, is one most exciting additions to your organic garden. These robust calcium rich sun loving plants grow to between 8 and 15 feet high in rich soil within 6 months.

As an added bonus, sunflowers attract a variety of birds, a fun and educational experience for the whole family! Plus, certified organic sunflowers seeds make a great snack and are a source of healthy (polyunsaturated fat) oil for cooking and salads.

Don’t Forget the “Sun” in “Sunflower”

Sunflowers thrive in just about any soil, but will grow vigorously with compost and manure and produce meatier seeds. Plenty of sun and good drainage is also vital for encouraging maximum growth both below and above ground.

Germinating Certified Organic Seeds

Find a sunny frost free spot indoors (about 70o F) for successful organic seed germination. When the weather and soil warm up, bring your young sunflowers outside. Hopefully, your seeds received weekly meals of organic fertilizer. If so, you will have robust roots ready to sustain healthy plants all season long.

Organic Gardening with Sunflowers

Sunflowers should be planted about 12 inches apart in your bed in rows about 2 to 2 1/2 feet apart. Use a tall piece of bamboo or a wooden stake for support and regularly add organic compost and manure. As you enjoy the fruits of your well deserved labor. Your organic vegetable garden will be more vibrant and colorful than ever before.

Helpful hint: When germination is complete, you will pull everything out but the strongest plant. Typically your first seeds to germinate will be your strongest plants.

Extra helpful hint: Sunflowers can withstand hot dry weather, but continue to water the plant, especially in dry weather, so that the soil remains moist.