Millions of acres of sunflowers also are processed for birdseed. The standard-bearer of the sunflower family is the annual giant grown for its huge and edible seeds. The plants, so tall they'll create a living fence or support pole beans on their strong stems, are a lot of fun for children. Something new Sunspot is a relatively new variety that offers all the standard sunflower features at a fraction of the height. Flower heads are full size, but stems stay a manageable 3 feet.
Sunspot is widely available from mail-order seed companies.
Ornamental sunflowers are closely related to the edible varieties, but they're grown strictly for their showy blossoms. Whereas the large-seeded types are all yellow, ornamental sunflowers splash a wide range of bright colors across the summer garden. Golds, yellows and oranges dominate, but brush strokes of dark red, burgundy and bronze paint a bicolor effect. Flower form is usually daisy-like in the ornamental sunflowers, but the fully double blossoms of Orange Sun and Sole d'Oro resemble enormous powder puffs. Annual sunflowers grow quickly from seed once the soil has warmed up.