Information on Sunflowers

Description

• The head of the sunflower is not one flower, it is a head that contains many small flowers that are packed together tightly. The outer florets on the head, called ray florets, can be orange, maroon, yellow, or other colors. The florets inside the head are called disc florets. Many people call the disc florets sunflower seeds, though they are truly not seeds but the plant's fruit.

History

• The earliest recorded evidence of domesticated sunflowers dates back to 2600 BC in Mexico. The earliest evidence of domesticated sunflowers north of Mexico dates to 2300 BC in the area we know as Tennessee. The first European recorded to encounter the sunflower is Francisco Pizarro when he traveled to Peru. The Incas, the Otomi and Aztecs used the flower as the symbol of their sun god. By the 16th century, sunflower seeds were being shipped into Europe, as well as gold figurines of the flower. Sunflower oil became popular during the 18th century, especially among the Russian Orthodox Church, because it was a type of oil that was not prohibited from being used during Lent.

Uses

• Roasted sunflower seeds are sold as snack foods. The seeds are also processed and used as an alternative, called sunbutter, to peanuts in peanut butter. The seeds are mixed with rye flour in many countries, particularly Germany, to make whole seed bread. Sunflowers can be used directly as salad toppings, in various food recipes and also as bird food. The oil from sunflower seeds can be extracted and used for cooking oil and to produce margarine and even biodiesel. The remains of the sunflower after the seeds have been extracted are often used as feed for livestock. Sunflowers are known for extracting toxic substances from the soil such as lead, uranium and arsenic. They were planted and used for this purpose after the Chernobyl disaster.

Growing

• Commercial planters plant the seeds 1.5 feet apart and to a depth of one inch. Sunflowers grow best in full sun in well-drained soil rich with organic matter such as mulch. Home growers can plant them as they wish, either as individual plants or in groups.

Harvesting

• Sunflower seeds should be harvested when most of the petals have fallen off of the plant head. To harvest, cut off the flower head, leaving a three- to four-inch stem. Hang the heads by their stems in an area that is well ventilated. As soon as the flower head has completely dried out, rub two flower heads together, and the seeds will pop out.