(Helianthus annuus)

Appearance
Towering overhead, sunflowers may resemble their namesake, but their name actually comes from their ability to keep their “face” turned toward the sun as it moves across the sky. Everyone recognizes a conventional sunflower with its huge dark disk surrounded by yellow petals, set atop a sturdy stalk that may reach over eight feet in height. Newer cultivars, however, may not be so familiar. Breeders have developed shorter plants (as low as two feet) and an expanded palette of hues ranging from mahogany through orange to lemon yellow, white, and even a soft rose. Many types sport more than one color.

Cultivation
Sunflowers are easily grown from their large seeds, making them an excellent choice for a child’s garden. Pick a site that receives full sun, and amend the soil with plenty of compost. Sow around mid-May, covering seeds with a half inch of fine soil, and keep the ground moist until they sprout. Plants prefer regular irrigation, but can handle some drying. Mulch to keep the soil evenly damp and to reduce weeding.

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