Ornamental Sunflower Seeds

 

Description

Hybrids of the same species of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) filling the fields with their large flower heads, industrial oil, biodiesel-reasons, have their place in the ornamental gardens in their way. Today the cultivars in which the usual yellow petals tinged with the colors of fire-red, burgundy, orange-disk around the central multiply. The sunflower is a vigorous annual herb of the family Asteraceae or Compositae. I also see as a cut flower.

Stem and leaves

The sunflower produces a long semi-woody stem with large, hairy leaves. There are dwarf varieties that do not exceed five feet in height, ideal for growing in pots, as 'Pacino', 'Music Box' and 'Little Leo', and others that can reach more than two meters, and even exceed three as the cultivar 'giganteus' or species H. maximus, both of small flowers.

Flowers

The flower is a sunflower inflorescence chapter, ie, a circle of tiny hermaphrodite flowers (which then give way to the pipes), surrounded by a row of showy sterile flowers serve to attract pollinating insects. In its shades and combinations is the beauty of its many cultivars: 'Velvet Queen', a vermilion velvet with orange tips; 'Sonja', yellow; 'Ring of Fire', red with yellow tips; 'Indian Blanket', red cherry, among many others. There are also curious varieties like 'Teddy Bear', flower petals and yellow pompoms very fine and abundant. Each issue provides a unique flower.

Cultivation and Care

Need a place in full sun and a mild, rich, moist, but well drained. His eagerness water can harm neighboring plants; requires regular watering, especially before and after issuing the flower. Its drought resistance is moderate to low. It is planted in spring and bloom 70 days. The heads are cut falls in autumn and the pipes are sown directly in the garden or pots from March (3-4 inches deep if the soil is clay, a 5-7, if light); germinate in about 10 days. It is ideal to inspire children to gardening.