Most people have some familiarity with sunflowers. Since 2020, I’ve cultivated and cared for numerous sunflowers. Over this time, I’ve also marketed many flowering plants and flowers, and in this blog, I aim to share the experiences I’ve gathered from these endeavors. The scientific name of this annual plant originates from the Greek words Helios, meaning “sun,” and Anthos, meaning “flower.” Sunflowers exhibit an array of colors initially, including yellow, red, orange, maroon, and brown. However, as they mature, they typically develop into bright yellow blooms with a brown center. Sunflowers can also serve as excellent wooden flowers.
·     Botanical Name | Helianthus annuus |
·     Plant Type | Flower |
·     Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
·     Soil pH | Natural to Slightly Alkaline Slightly Acidic to Natural |
·     Bloom Time | Summer |
·     Flower Color | Multi-color , Orange, Red ,Yellow |
·     Special Features | Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Songbirds |
Are sunflower seeds good for you?
Sunflower seeds are rich in antioxidants and provide high amounts of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, thus playing an important role in reducing the risk of various chronic diseases, including diabetes. A large sunflower flower is about 12 inches across and contains approximately 2,000 seeds. The oil is extracted from the sunflower flower, and it is collected by enclosing the inedible black and white striated husks, also known as hulls. Sunflowers used for oil extraction have hard black pods from which the nutritious oil is extracted. Sunflower seeds are obtained from the flower heads of the sunflower plant, and this variety offers a mild nutty flavor.
Below is the nutritional value and nutritional value of one sunflower seed:
Sunflower Seeds
·      Calories | 163 Grams |
·      Total fat which Includes | 14 grams |
·      Saturated fat | 1.5 grams |
·      Polyunsaturated fat | 9.2 grams |
·      Monounsaturated fat | 2.7 grams |
·      Protein | 5.5 grams |
·      Carbs | 6.5 grams |
·      Fiber | 3 grams |
·      Vitamin E | 37% of the RDI |
·      Niacin | 10% of the RDI |
·      Vitamin B6 | 11% of the RDI |
·      Foliate | 17% of the RDI |
·      Pantothenic acid | 20% of the RDI |
·      Iron | 6% of the RDI |
·      Magnesium | 9% of the RDI |
·      Zinc | 10% of the RDI |
·      Manganese | 30% of the RDI |
·      Copper | 26% of the RDI |
So, with proper discussion, it is proven that sunflower seeds play a very important role for the human body and are very beneficial, as one seed contains a lot of nutrients.
Grow Sunflower at homeÂ
If you think you are going to start a sunflower garden, here are the steps to take from the beginning to the end of this garden, step by step, from my personal experience.
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Sunflowers take a minimum of 11 to 18 weeks to germinate from the flower bridge. They bloom from summer to autumn. Keeping this in mind, the seeds should be planted every few weeks. Sunflowers germinate very easily from seed. A typical sunflower plant can grow up to 3 meters tall.
Soil
Before cultivating the sunflower plant, the soil must be properly prepared, and the quality of the soil must be assessed. For this, the soil must first be loosened and properly cultivated. Organic fertilizers should be applied to the soil 10 to 15 days in advance, and lightly watered to prevent them from being washed away. Adequate sunlight should be ensured, and a suitable location chosen. Rows should be made every 1 foot, and drainage arrangements should be implemented to prevent water accumulation. This entails creating a 4-5 inch high line from the ground so that water does not collect at the base of the plant.
Water
The need for water for a plant is very important because without water, no plant can survive for a long time, and giving too much water will cause root rot, resulting in the plant dying. Similarly, the root of a sunflower plant does not need too much water, so some things should be known while giving water. Look at the base of the plant with your hands; if the soil is light and feels wet, then there is no need to water. When you see that the soil is dry at the base of the plant, i.e., you do not feel the existence of water even two to three inches deep in the soil with your hand, then you need to water in sufficient quantity.
Fertilizer
Fertilizers are applied to increase soil fertility. Before planting sunflower seeds, the soil must be fertilized. For this, the soil should first be cultivated well, and organic fertilizers should be applied, along with phosphorus and urea fertilizers to improve soil quality. After 15 to 20 days following the germination of the seedlings, fertilizers should be applied again, depending on the growth of the plant. If the plant does not grow properly, it must be fertilized.
SunlightÂ
It is almost impossible for a sunflower plant to grow and flower properly without sunlight because these flowers usually face the sun, and without sunlight, this plant will never grow properly. So, care must be taken when planting or planting sunflowers to ensure that the garden or plant is getting enough sunlight.
Earning profit
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Sunflower flower seeds are useful in various ways. This flower seed plays a big role in the medical sector, so there is a demand for this flower seed in different countries. I have been marketing many sunflower flower seeds since 2020, and the need for it is growing every day. The quality of these seeds is good if properly packaged. Besides, the cost of planting these trees to collecting seeds can be very good if the seeds and flowers are marketed properly.