Sunflower Adoration

I have, yet again, succumbed to my annual temptation to plant a few sunflowers. The joy of sunflower cultivation is not, perhaps, considered to be the highest form of horticulture except in the sense of altitude - much enthusiasm is expended upon gaining the greatest of heights, with little left over for the plant's other, undoubted, qualities. In this respect cultivation of this superb flower is, for many, most akin to the cultivation of giant vegetables. Indeed, I have in the past found myself to be solely concerned with achieving the tallest of plants (about 8.5', measured but inaccurately).

These days I have tended simply to grow them for the sheer pleasure of it, with an eye instead for the warmth and light they bring to the garden. The fabulous, and much ignored, foliage is also a delight, particularly for small children who always seem to be just as fascinated by the dimensions of a single leaf as they are by the loftiness of the entire plant. additionally, my neighbours are treated to a daily dose of sunshine as the sunflowers peek over our dividing fence.

For those who are considering a crop for next year, why not try planting in groups or a double staggered line, rather than the usual fence- or wall-bound single strip. Some of the very best sunflowers are not tall, notably Helianthus Cucumerifolious which forms wonderful bushes of around 3' in height. There is, too, a dwarf form of the common sunflower - nanus plenus. Plant together for compact variety. Although mostly thought of as annuals, there are also many perennial varieties, for example Multiflorus Maxumus, and so many varieties of both as to be almost overwhelming. Take a look at Growing Sunflowers for a list of the most popular.

 Sunflowers do not require special conditions to start them off, just sow outdoors straight into the ground; and if, like me, you are not too bothered about growing the rarest, or reddest, or tallest etc, then just plump for something that will fit the eventual planting site, and sit back and enjoy. A stout cane and a modest amount of water will tend to ensure a visual treat, and the flowers will continue to please long after much of the rest of the contents of your garden are due for the compost heap. When the flower heads have finally had it, don't be in too much of a hurry to chop them down. Leave them a little longer, and you will be able to harvest a small mountain of entirely free seeds, ready for next year.

I have estimated a gathering of between 500 and a thousand seeds from eight good-sized heads this year, and so have given many hundreds away to friends and colleagues alike with plenty left over for my modest spring requirements. A good number will be held in reserve also for a little guerrilla gardening; more of that later, but for now, let the critical scales fall from your eyes and consider setting aside a small spot for the humble, yet mighty sunflower.

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