Don't grow just any sunflowers, grow "Mammoth" sunflowers...with a projected height of 7-12 feet! My kids and I grew sunflowers several years ago, loved the experience, and we're growing them again. I concur with the sentiments expressed by Emerson - "Earth laughs in flowers." Towering giant sunflowers absolutely fill your heart with glee every time you see them, whether it be in your front yard, an experience to share with your neighbors and passers-by, or in your own private back yard. I always thought it would be fun to grow them in a circle, providing your yard has the room, creating a "secret garden" for the kids.
Fun things to know or do as you grow sunflowers:
-the "mammoth" variety has an enormous head, more than a foot across.
-you can roast the seeds when the flower is mature. If you grow the mammoth variety, you can expect 2,000 seeds! Yummy for you! Birds will enjoy them too!
-Know the meaning of "heliotropism?" I'll give you a hint: Helio= Sun; it means "an orienting response to the sun." When the flower is still a bud, the flower will turn throughout the day towards the sun, sort of like when you were a teenager trying to get an even tan. Fore more cool info, see www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower.
Have fun! Grow green!
You should be able to find seed packets for sunflowers at any nursery, Jefferson Feed, Double M. Be sure to look for the "mammoth" variety.
