Sunflower Sungold Seeds - Helianthus annuus

The Helianthus annuus 'Sungold' is a highly ornamental and decorative variety of sunflower. It has a fast growth rate and forms an upright and branching clump, producing a large number of inflorescences throughout the summer. This robust annual plant, which can reach a height of 1.80 m, produces enormous flowers on top of thick and rigid stems. Each flower is composed of a myriad of petals, tightly arranged in rays, surrounding a barely visible central disk, creating the appearance of a large yellow pompom. Impressive and dazzling, they enhance flower beds, borders, and vegetable gardens, and enrich bouquets. Moreover, they are valuable for pollinating insects and beneficial garden wildlife. The 'Sungold' variety is easy to grow: simply sow its seeds between April and May. It thrives in different types of soil, but prefers modest, rich, and well-drained soils, as well as a sunny location sheltered from strong winds. Its abundant flowering extends from July to October, and to maximise its decorative aspect, it is advisable to cultivate it in groups.

L'Helianthus annuus is none other than the famous sunflower cultivated on a large scale for the oil extracted from its seeds. This tall annual plant of the Asteraceae family, domesticated by humans for a long time, has a controversial origin, but it is known to be native to the American continent.

The 'Sungold' variety forms a plant with an upright and branching habit, reaching a height of between 1.50 and 1.80 m and a spread of 0.40 to 0.60 m. Flowering usually begins in July and can continue until the end of September. It is a head inflorescence measuring between 15 and 25 cm in diameter, composed of numerous bright yellow petals or ligules, covering the entire surface of the flower, thus forming a dense pompom. Under the best conditions, it takes 12 to 14 weeks between sowing and the start of flowering. The flower stems are rigid and strong, with numerous branches. The foliage consists of dark green, simple, cordate (heart-shaped), toothed leaves, alternately arranged, sometimes opposite at the base. They are attached to the stem by a more or less long petiole and are rough to the touch.

Its easy-to-grow nature, large seeds, and suitable size are appreciated by novice gardeners. The 'Sungold' sunflower is particularly suitable for large flower beds and flower borders. It is also ideal for enhancing the vegetable garden and very useful for the garden's ecological balance, attracting beneficial wildlife. In the chicken coop, it becomes a valuable ally for chickens, offering an interesting supplement to their diet and diversifying their environment. In cultivation, it only requires sunlight and soil that is not too dry to thrive effortlessly. It is a plant with a rustic appearance and, as such, it integrates well into slightly wild areas of the garden, alongside cosmos, sainfoin, perennial sweet peas, scabious, gaillardias, lupins, and more.

Before flowering, the plant optimises its growth by following the sun's path. This phenomenon, called heliotropism, has given rise to some of its common names.

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.
• 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 colour 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 artichoke. The flesh of the seed can be consumed 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 happy during the winter scarcity.