Helianthus annuus 'Garden Statement'

The 'Garden Statement' Helianthus annuus, also known as Garden Sunflower, is an annual plant that quickly forms a very tall plant, 1.80m (6ft) for this variety, supported by strong, highly branched stems. 'Garden Statement' offers flowers that are not golden yellow, but lemon yellow, ultra-vibrant. Double, they create a strong contrast with their almost black central disk. In the garden, they can be seen from afar, given their tall height and especially this sun-reflecting colour.

Helianthus annuus is none other than the famous sunflower cultivated on a large scale for the oil extracted from its seeds. This large annual plant from the Asteraceae family, domesticated by humans for a long time, has a controversial origin, but it is native to the American continent. 'Garden Statement', shorter than the species, still reaches a height of 1.80m (6ft) with a spread of 75cm (30in). Its very bright flowers are semi-double to double, with a lemon yellow colour that strongly contrasts with their large, dark brown, almost black central disk. They resemble giant daisies and measure 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in diameter. The main stem branches out and bears a flower at each end. The branches are long enough to be harvested independently and used to create magnificent summer bouquets. This magnificent flowering period lasts from July to October. However, we recommend staggered sowing to enjoy beautiful and young flowers regularly. Under optimal conditions, it takes 12 weeks between sowing and the start of flowering. The foliage consists of medium green leaves, simple, cordate (heart-shaped), alternate, sometimes opposite at the base. They are attached to the stem by a more or less long petiole and have a rough texture. Before flowering, the plant optimizes its growth by following the sun's path. This phenomenon called heliotropism has given rise to some of its common names: Heliotrope, Sunflower, Garden Sunflower.

In the garden, sow 'Garden Statement' Helianthus annuus at the back of the flower bed, in front of brightly coloured or pastel flowers, its lemon yellow colour allows for both. Add foliage plants such as tall grasses, ideal companions. Also plant it in the vegetable garden, its natural place. It only requires sun and moderately dry soil to thrive. It integrates well into slightly wild areas of the garden, alongside other edible plants with large growth, such as artichokes, cardoons, large thistles, sainfoin, Jerusalem artichokes.

To enjoy your Sunflower bouquets for longer, follow these tips. Cut the flowers in the morning just after they have opened. Use a knife that has been thoroughly cleaned beforehand. Remove the leaves starting from the bottom, leaving only 2 or 3 leaves below the flower. Change the water in the vase with fresh water every day.

Sunflower in the kitchen:

The buds, petals, and seeds are edible. Add a few petals to a green salad for color contrast and their nutty flavour. The green buds can be blanched and then sautéed in garlic butter. Their flavour is similar to that of Jerusalem artichokes. The flesh of the seed can be consumed raw or roasted.

An ecological asset:

Melliferous flowers will attract butterflies and pollinating insects to your garden. A good way to improve the ecosystem and promote the production of fruits and vegetables in your vegetable garden.
The oil-rich seeds are particularly appreciated by birds (Parrots, Tits, among others). At the end of flowering, harvest them to make some happy during the winter scarcity.