Helianthus debilis subsp. cucumerifolius 'Italian Green Heart'

The 'Italian Green Heart' Sunflower, from the subspecies Helianthus debilis subsp. cucumerifolius, is an annual sunflower, light and well-branched, ideal in the garden as well as in bouquets. It develops numerous flowers, cream yellow in colour, on thin stems, around a beautiful and unusual green centre. Not too large, they are well-suited for floral arrangements and can last in a vase for 7 to 10 days. Easy to sow directly in the spring and to cultivate in the sun, in all types of well-drained soils. Use it in the middle or back of flower beds, in ornamental gardens or in vegetable gardens.

Helianthus debilis subsp. cucumerifolius is a subspecies of Helianthus debilis, a medium-sized annual sunflower, particularly resistant to drought, belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to the central-southern regions of the United States and has naturalized everywhere except Antarctica. The 'Italian Green Heart' variety is a recent horticultural selection, with naturally branching stems that do not require pinching. The plants, vigorous and bushy, reach a height of 1m (3ft) to 1.40m (5ft) in the span of 3 months. Each main stem produces numerous lateral branches, each carrying an inflorescence. These are flower heads, about 15cm (6in) in diameter, pale yellow in colour, with a large yellow-green to green centre. Flowering occurs from July to September-October. Under the best conditions, it takes 12 weeks between sowing and the start of flowering. The foliage is composed 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. Very popular with pollinating insects, the flowering is followed by seeds that are a delight for birds and certain small mammals.

The 'Italian Green Heart' Sunflower thrives in flower beds, preferably at the back, in sunny and well-drained soil, not too dry. In the vegetable garden, it brings its ornamental qualities and possibly some shade. It is easy to sow and cultivate, ideal for introducing children to gardening. Although an annual, it is a structural plant, at home in countryside gardens or wilder areas of the garden, alongside grasses, thistles, ornamental garlic, Gaillardias, for example. This variety is ideal for bouquets thanks to its numerous flowers that are not too large and its excellent vase life. It is well-suited for direct sowing in the ground, in warmed soil.

Before flowering, the plant optimizes its growth by following the path of the sun. This phenomenon called heliotropism has given rise to some of its common names: Heliotrope, Sunflower, Sunflower, Garden Sun.

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

An ecological asset: Throughout the summer, the melliferous flowers of Sunflowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. A good 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, etc.). At the end of flowering, harvest them to make some creatures happy during the winter scarcity.