NATURE
SUNFLOWERS
A Natural for Your Garden
by Aaron R. Fodiman
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 53
Sunflowers, which are mostly native
to North America, are attractive,
easy-to-grow flowers. Many people
grow them for their protein-rich
seeds because each flower can contain
more than 1,000 seeds. Varieties vary in
both size and color. However, they all seek
out and face the sun while growing and
need full sun to thrive. Sunflowers are
annuals that need to be replanted each
year, but they bloom for two to three
months. You can keep your garden colorful
by planting some every two weeks, so
that as some die, the newer plantings will
continue to flourish.
Loved by bees and butterflies for their
nectar, sunflowers are great pollinators.
Meanwhile, birds are attracted to them
for their oil rich seeds. Many people enjoy
roasting the sunflower seeds and eating
them salted or in salads for added crunch.
germination and once that happens, you
will find it best to thin out the seedlings.
Besides being yellow, sunflowers can be
red or purple. Depending on their kind,
they can be tall and reach 2 or more feet
high, or be less than 3 feet tall. Be sure you
know which type you are planting.
These beautiful flowers can be kept in
a vase after cutting for almost a week or
more if you choose ones that are young and
strong. These daisy-like herbs are fun to
grow due to their beauty, and yet we tend
to see fewer of them in the Tampa Bay area
than in many other parts of the country.
One of sunflowers’ most curious traits is
that they may follow the sun during the
day. However, in the evening, they turn
to the east, waiting the sun’s return the
following morning. 9
To prepare them, soak seeds overnight in
salted water. Run them through a strainer
and dry on a layer of paper towels. Spread
seeds out in a single layer on a baking
sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 325
degrees. Stir frequently during the baking
and remove seeds when they look slightly
browned. Studies link the consumption
of sunflower seeds to a number of health
benefits, including lowering your risk
of developing diseases like high blood
pressure or heart disease.
Although these easy-to-grow flowers
need full sun, they are not that picky about
the soil and can withstand some lack of
water. Of course, better soil and proper
watering will help them grow and bloom.
Sunflowers do best when planted in the
late spring when there will be no chance of
frost (March or April when in the Tampa
Bay area). They do need lots of water for