Helianthus annuus 'Taiyo'

Helianthus annuus 'Taiyo' is a variety of ornamental sunflower, highly appreciated for its beautiful golden yellow flowers of great durability. This ancient Japanese variety brings colour to ornamental gardens or vegetable gardens and illuminates bouquets wonderfully. It is ideal for cut flowers with its unbranched stems and radiant flowers that last several days after harvesting. The inflorescences are composed of a golden yellow corolla surrounding a large brown centre. They attract pollinating insects. Its sowing is child's play and its cultivation presents no difficulties in the sun, in rich and fresh soil. It is a large annual plant that is sown in March-April, in pots or in May to June, after the frosts, directly in place, to obtain flowering from August to October. Seeds from Organic Agriculture

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 of the Asteraceae family, domesticated for a long time by humans, has a controversial origin, but it is known to be native to the American continent.

The spectacular flowering of this giant sunflower extends from July to September. However, we recommend staggering your sowings to enjoy beautiful and young flowers regularly and until autumn. The flower resembles a giant daisy. It is an inflorescence in a head composed of a corolla of yellow petals or ligules surrounding a central disc where a multitude of fertile florets are packed, which will produce seeds after pollination. In the best conditions, it takes 12 weeks between sowing and the start of flowering. The foliage consists of medium green, simple, cordate (heart-shaped), alternate leaves, sometimes opposite at the base. They are joined to the stem by a more or less long petiole and feel rough to the touch. 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, Sunflower of the gardens...

Its ease of cultivation, its large and easy-to-germinate seeds, and its reasonable size are very appealing to children who are learning the joys of gardening. The 'Taiyo' Sunflower is particularly suitable for ornamental beds, but also for decorating chicken coops and vegetable gardens where it will attract many beneficial animals for gardeners. It only requires sun and soil that is not too dry to flourish with simplicity. It is a plant with a countryside look and, as such, it will fit well in slightly wild areas of the garden, alongside tall blue thistles, sainfoin, perennial peas, large scabious, gaillardias... It will also accompany tall Agapanthus, ornamental garlic, and Perovskia in a beautiful yellow and blue scene.

To enjoy your Sunflower bouquets for a longer time, follow these tips:

• Cut the flowers in the morning just after they open. 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.
• Every day, change the water in the vase with fresh water.

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

An ecological asset: Throughout the summer, the nectar-rich flowers of Sunflowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. A great way to improve the ecosystem and promote fruit and vegetable production in your vegetable garden. The oil-rich seeds are particularly appreciated by birds (Parrots, Tits, Doves, Goldfinches, Siskins, Nuthatches, Finches...). At the end of flowering, harvest them to make some happy during the winter scarcity.

Organic or "AB" seeds come from plants grown in organic agriculture (without the use of phytosanitary products). They undergo no treatment after harvest. These seeds are suitable for organic market gardening.