How Do Sunflowers Reproduce? - ProFlowers Blog How Do Sunflowers Reproduce? By ProFlowers ( Sunflowers include a large group of flowers belonging to the genus Helianthus. With more than 60 varieties including H. annuus, H. giganteeus and the H. maximiliani, these sun-lovers grow up to 12 feet high. Each plant produces a massive solitary bloom often reaching diameters of 2 feet. Growers harvest seeds from the center of the yellow, orange or black seeds. In nature, this show plant relies on bees and other insects for reproduction. Busy Bees Once the plant has flowered, usually in summer, it produces a sweet pollen mixture that lures bees and other insects. When the bees arrive, they get their feet wet with the pollen as they drink the plant’s nectar. The plant relies on the sperm-producing pollen coming into contact with the egg-containing stigma. The yellow pollen is transferred from the insect’s hairy legs to the stigma. This is the first step in sunflower reproduction. Sperm Meet Egg Once the pollen is forced down the stigma, it releases sperm into the stigma.

An available egg receives the sperm, and the egg is fertilized with a meat-bearing seed. The pollen/sperm can belong to the original plant or may come from another sunflower. Self-Pollinating Self-pollination is a mechanism that this flower uses to stay alive. On the occasion where the stigma receives no pollen, the stigma will twist and wrap itself around its own pollen. Seeds created by self-pollination will only produce flowers that look like the original plant, so no hybridization will have occurred. ( Time Factor Sunflowers are fast reproducers, and one plant can create dozens of others. Plant seeds about an 1 inch below the ground. Germination occurs quickly, usually between 5 and 10 days, but spring crops produce more plants than summer crops. Spring crops are planted in April and May. Summer crops go in the ground in June and July. When the back of the plant’s head turns brown, it is ready for harvesting. Share this post Prairie Sunflower Seeds from Park Seed Average Based on 2 Reviews Write a Review Be Patient Steve B from NY wrote (July 30, 2016): Planted last year. Good growth-no flowers. Cut down in Fall.

This year 6' tall and 5-6 flowers per branch starting in mid July. Looks great! Vigorous=Invasive Linda A from NC wrote (March 03, 2016): I LOVED them (at first)! They do grow very tall & showy, but quickly spread by seeds and roots. Very difficult to keep in control. If you do grow them, they will branch more fully if you pinch the tops off at about 6 inches - and again as they grow.

Helianthus Maximilianii is the botanical name for Prairie Sunflower Helianthus Maximilianii Germination Information How to Sow Helianthus Maximilianii: Sow indoors at 55-72° (will germinate over a wide temperature range) at a depth of 4 times the diameter of the seeds Expect germination in 15 days Can be sown outdoors in early spring while the soil is still cool or in fall, up to two months before first frost When sowing outdoors, sow at a depth same as indoors and expect germination in 15-20 days When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed How to Grow Helianthus Maximilianii: Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves Spacing: Space plants 21/2-3 feet apart in full sun in almost any soil short of water-logged Soil: Very tolerant of drought and heat Appearance and Use: A giant for the back of the border and for cut flower use. Habit is upright from 10-12 tall by 3 feet wide.

The 3-inch-diameter, daisy-like flowers heads are borne on spikes late in the season from August to October. The disk-shaped flowers are brown while the showy ray florets are yellow. Bees love the flowers and birds love the seeds. The coarse-textured leaves are medium green and lanceolate to 12 inches long About Helianthus Maximilianii: Pronunciation: he-le-an’thus mak-si-mil-i-an’e-i Lifecycle: Perennial Origination: Asteraceae, native to midwestern America Common Name: Prairie Sunflower Superior Germination Through Superior Science Park Seed offers some of the highest-quality vegetable and flower seeds available in the industry, and there are a number of reasons for this. First of all, we have humidity- and temperature-controlled storage, and we never treat any of our seeds with chemicals or pesticides. Nor do we ever sell GMO's (genetically modified seeds), so you always know the products you're buying from us are natural as well as safe for you and the environment.

Superior Standards - University Inspected To make sure we are providing the best seed product possible and that our customers will get the highest number of seedlings from every packet, we conduct our own germination testing and have quality-control measures in every stage of our seed-handling operation. We hold ourselves to standards that are at or above federal and state standards, including testing specific crops more frequently than recommended by federal guidelines. And in order to maintain our organic certification, we welcome Clemson University to inspect us annually to make sure our organic seeds, which are stored and processed separately, are being handled properly. Hand Packed By Experienced Technicians Park Seed has been handling and packing vegetable and flower seeds for 145 years, a history that has given us a great understanding of how each variety should be cared for and maintained throughout every step of theprocess, from collection to shipping. When packing our seeds, the majority are actually done by hand (with extreme care!), and we often over-pack them, so you're receiving more than the stated quantity. The Park Seed Gold Standard And many of our seeds are packed in our exclusive Fresh-Pak gold foil packets, which are lined to keep moisture out, so the seeds stay fresher for longer.

We carefully pack very tiny or fragile seeds in crush-proof vials to ensure safe delivery to your home. Some of the small seeds are also offered as "pellets" (have a clay coating) to make sowing and growing easier. When it comes to the kinds of seeds we offer, we are constantly seeking something new and provide many unique and hard-to-find varieties from all around the world. Our on-staff horticulturists are ready and available to share their expertise to help you with the success of these seeds, so you can grow a beautiful and productive garden! Does Park sell GMO's or treated seeds? It is important for our customers to know that Park Seed does not sell GMO or treated seed. We do buy a small amount of traditional hybrid seed from Seminis, a division of Monsanto Co., but that is all we purchase from them. What are the differences between organic, heirloom, and hybrid seed? Basically, organic seeds are seeds that are produced without the use and exposure to artificial/chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals. They have to be grown, harvested, stored, and handled under very strict organic rules and procedures.

All of our organic seeds are USDA 100% certified organic through Clemson University and the certificate has to be renewed yearly. Heirloom Seeds are open-pollinated -- they are not hybrids. You can gather and save heirloom seed from year to year and they will grow true to type every year, so they can be passed down through generations. To be considered an heirloom, a variety would have to be at least from the 1940's and 3 generations old (many varieties are much older -- some 100 years or more!). Hybrid seed are the product of cross-pollination between 2 different parent plants, resulting in a new plant/seed that is different from the parents. Unlike Heirloom seed, hybrid seed need to be re-purchased new every year (and not saved). They usually will not grow true to type if you save them, but will revert to one of the parents they were crossed with and most likely look/taste different in some way. What are pelleted seeds? Why do you use them? How do I handle/sow them? Extremely small seed such as Petunias and Pentas are shipped as pelleted seed to make them easier to handle and sow.

Pelleted seed are coated, usually with clay, to make them larger in size. After sowing, the coating will dissolve when wet and the seed will germinate. Pelleted seeds are shipped in vials placed inside seed packets, which protects them from being crushed. When sowing, be certain to use thoroughly moistened soil, to be sure that the clay coating absorbs enough moisture to dissolve. For sowing pelleted Petunia seeds, place the seeds directly on the soil surface and do not cover with soil, as light aids in the germination. What is ideal temperature to germinate most seeds? The ideal temperature to germinate most seeds is approximately 70 degrees F; give or take 1-2 degrees either way. This would be a good germination temperature for most flower and vegetable seeds and would be the most practical and feasible temperatures achieved for gardeners starting seeds in the home. You will notice for some seeds that it is recommended to use alternating day (warmer), night (cooler), temperatures, which is fine if one can provide such conditions. But most people are unable to provide those temperatures in a home setting, so just use the overall 70 degree F recommendation and the seeds should germinate well.

How long should grow lights be kept on per day and how close to the plants should the light be kept? For germination and seedling/plant growth, you want to simulate the natural day-night cycles, and as a general rule, grow lights should be on 8-12 hours per day and off at night. You can vary this timing, as some seeds such as tomato, pepper, petunia, impatiens, and others, benefit from 14-17 hours of light per day (and the remainder of the 24 hour period in darkness). The most common grow lights used are fluorescent; using cool white, warm white, and wide-spectrum fluorescent tubes. These lights work well for germination and for growing plants up to a transplantable size. Fluorescent lights should be kept close though, 3-6 inches above the soil or the growing plants, adjusting the height as the plants grow. How long will seeds keep in storage? Park Seed stores seed in a special temperature- and humidity-controlled storage facility, which keeps seeds in excellent condition. Our seeds should be good for at least 1-2 years on average.

Seed viability and storage time will vary depending on the seed item; some will keep a shorter time and some will keep longer. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement will do (if not too humid), or a cool, dark room or closet. We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store them in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years. What is the best way to store seeds over a longer time period? We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store seeds in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years. What depth should I sow various seeds? When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions.

Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. The planting depth for small seed can be anywhere from barely covering, to 1/8-inch deep, to possibly 1/4-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Medium seed should be planted at 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Larger seeds can be planted 1-inch or deeper, depending on the recommendation. FAQ Does Park sell GMO's or treated seeds? It is important for our customers to know that Park Seed does not sell GMO or treated seed. We do buy a small amount of traditional hybrid seed from Seminis, a division of Monsanto Co., but that is all we purchase from them. What are the differences between organic, heirloom, and hybrid seed? Basically, organic seeds are seeds that are produced without the use and exposure to artificial/chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals. They have to be grown, harvested, stored, and handled under very strict organic rules and procedures.

All of our organic seeds are USDA 100% certified organic through Clemson University and the certificate has to be renewed yearly. Heirloom Seeds are open-pollinated -- they are not hybrids. You can gather and save heirloom seed from year to year and they will grow true to type every year, so they can be passed down through generations. To be considered an heirloom, a variety would have to be at least from the 1940's and 3 generations old (many varieties are much older -- some 100 years or more!). Hybrid seed are the product of cross-pollination between 2 different parent plants, resulting in a new plant/seed that is different from the parents. Unlike Heirloom seed, hybrid seed need to be re-purchased new every year (and not saved). They usually will not grow true to type if you save them, but will revert to one of the parents they were crossed with and most likely look/taste different in some way. What are pelleted seeds? Why do you use them? How do I handle/sow them? Extremely small seed such as Petunias and Pentas are shipped as pelleted seed to make them easier to handle and sow.

Pelleted seed are coated, usually with clay, to make them larger in size. After sowing, the coating will dissolve when wet and the seed will germinate. Pelleted seeds are shipped in vials placed inside seed packets, which protects them from being crushed. When sowing, be certain to use thoroughly moistened soil, to be sure that the clay coating absorbs enough moisture to dissolve. For sowing pelleted Petunia seeds, place the seeds directly on the soil surface and do not cover with soil, as light aids in the germination. What is ideal temperature to germinate most seeds? The ideal temperature to germinate most seeds is approximately 70 degrees F; give or take 1-2 degrees either way. This would be a good germination temperature for most flower and vegetable seeds and would be the most practical and feasible temperatures achieved for gardeners starting seeds in the home. You will notice for some seeds that it is recommended to use alternating day (warmer), night (cooler), temperatures, which is fine if one can provide such conditions. But most people are unable to provide those temperatures in a home setting, so just use the overall 70 degree F recommendation and the seeds should germinate well.

How long should grow lights be kept on per day and how close to the plants should the light be kept? For germination and seedling/plant growth, you want to simulate the natural day-night cycles, and as a general rule, grow lights should be on 8-12 hours per day and off at night. You can vary this timing, as some seeds such as tomato, pepper, petunia, impatiens, and others, benefit from 14-17 hours of light per day (and the remainder of the 24 hour period in darkness). The most common grow lights used are fluorescent; using cool white, warm white, and wide-spectrum fluorescent tubes. These lights work well for germination and for growing plants up to a transplantable size. Fluorescent lights should be kept close though, 3-6 inches above the soil or the growing plants, adjusting the height as the plants grow. How long will seeds keep in storage? Park Seed stores seed in a special temperature- and humidity-controlled storage facility, which keeps seeds in excellent condition. Our seeds should be good for at least 1-2 years on average.

Seed viability and storage time will vary depending on the seed item; some will keep a shorter time and some will keep longer. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement will do (if not too humid), or a cool, dark room or closet. We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store them in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years. What is the best way to store seeds over a longer time period? We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store seeds in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years. What depth should I sow various seeds? When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions.

Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. The planting depth for small seed can be anywhere from barely covering, to 1/8-inch deep, to possibly 1/4-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Medium seed should be planted at 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Larger seeds can be planted 1-inch or deeper, depending on the recommendation. Things You May Need Sunflower Sunflower State Flower of Kansas - 1903 Kansas Wildflower of the Year - 2000 I n September the fields and roadsides of the Great Plains erupt in a blaze of yellow as the sunflowers and goldenrods (also members of the sunflower family) make their presence known to the local pollinating insects. While many sunflower species may begin blooming in July, they are not as noticeable then as later on when they have grown up and over the surrounding vegetation. There are eleven species of sunflower recorded from Kansas. Most of them are perennials. Only the common sunflower and H.

petiolaris, the Prairie Sunflower, are annuals. Identification of sunflowers can be very complicated because they frequently hybridize and even within species there is a high degree of variability. With a little practice, however, the most common species can be readily recognized. The Common Sunflower has a long history of association with people. Nearly 3,000 years ago it was domesticated for food production by the Native Americans. The seeds of the wild type of sunflower are only about 5 mm. long. It was only through careful selection for the largest size seeds over hundreds of years that the cultivated sunflower was produced. Lewis and Clark made mention in their journals of its usage by the plains Indians. It was brought back to the Old World by the early European explorers and widely cultivated there also. Today it is a common alternative crop in the Great Plains and elsewhere for food and oil production. Next time you munch down on some sunflower seeds, thank the many generations of Native Americans whose careful husbandry gave us this valuable food item. The wild cousins of those grown on the farm are still common, however, in fields, roadsides and disturbed ground throughout the Great Plains.

The Common Sunflower is a typical member of the Asteraceae, one of the largest and most successful families of plants. Within the structure we think of as the "flower", it actually has two different types of flowers - ray and disk flowers. The ray flowers have the big, straplike structures that we see around the edge of the "flower" while the disk flowers occupy the middle of it. Within the Asteraceae, many confusing combinations of the two are possible along with the total absence of one or the other in some species! Individual ray or disk flowers may be male, female or both and either fertile or infertile (do or don't produce seeds). In sunflowers, the ray flowers are usually female and infertile. The disk flowers are both male and female and are fertile. If you look closely at the center of a sunflower you can see that the disk flowers grow in a mesmerizing pattern of two opposite spirals. This is most easily seen either before the disk flowers open up or after the seed has set and all the accessory flower parts have fallen off. This is one of the more interesting patterns in nature. The rough-hairy quality of the Common Sunflower is characteristic of many members of its family.

These little bristles probably serve two functions: to discourage plant-eating animals and to conserve water in the plant by limiting evaporation. Members of the sunflower family are popular with butterflies because the wide flower head makes a good "landing platform" and the numerous individual flowers make for a high probability of finding nectar. Monarch butterflies are commonly seen nectaring on sunflowers during their fall migration. Whether as a source of food for people and wildlife or an eye-catching splash of color on the landscape, the Common Sunflower is an important member of the prairie community. * The language of the Kansas statute enacted in 1903 proclaiming the sunflower as a Kansas state flower refers to it as the "wild native sunflower" and only mentions the genus of the scientific name. It is assumed the legislation was intended to refer to the species Helianthus annuus. The currently-accepted common name of that species is "common sunflower". Kansas Statute 73-1801 reads: "State flower and floral emblem.

WHEREAS, Kansas has a native wild flower common throughout her borders, hardy and conspicuous, of definite, unvarying and striking shape, easily sketched, moulded, and carved, having armorial capacities, ideally adapted for artistic reproduction, with its strong, distinct disk and its golden circle of clear glowing rays  a flower that a child can draw on a slate, a woman can work in silk, or a man can carve on stone or fashion in clay; and WHEREAS, This flower has to all Kansans a historic symbolism which speaks of frontier days, winding trails, pathless prairies, and is full of the life and glory of the past, the pride of the present, and richly emblematic of the majesty of a golden future, and is a flower which has given Kansas the world-wide name, "the sunflower state": therefore, Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas: That the helianthus or wild native sunflower is hereby made, designated and declared to be the state flower and floral emblem of the state of Kansas." Helianthus | Manual of the Alien Plants of Belgium Manual of the Alien Plants of Belgium Updated Excel Version Modifications in bold (last modified 28 October 20

16) Helianthus Revisions Helianthus L.

Helianthus is a New World genus of ca. 50 species, all endemic to North America and Mexico. One, Helianthus annuus, is an economically important species. It is widely cultivated as an oilseed crop. At least 15 species are cultivated as ornamentals in Europe (Brown 2000, Jäger & al. 2008) but rather few are more or less commonly encountered in cultivation. The identification of Helianthus is rarely straightforward. It is important to note whether or not a species is perennial. In the absence of roots an accurate identification is often much complicated. Perennial species usually grow in dense colonies (as a result of the development of strong rhizomes) while annual species always grow solitary. Some of the annuals treated below might perennate in their area of origin (see Schilling 2006) but they are always cultivated as annuals in Europe. The taxonomy of the genus Helianthus is very complex of its own and further complicated as a result of artificial hybridisation and selection in horticulture. Plants currently found in gardens (and in the wild) in Europe often do not longer correspond with their putative ancesters in the New World.

The most comprehensive and up-to-date account for Helianthus in the wild in Central and Eastern Europe is provided by Balogh (2008). A closer examination of the Belgian populations (especially of the perennial species) will probably yield additional taxa. With the key that is presented beneath a large majority of the Belgian plants can be reliably identified. However, some populations are aberrant and require further investigation (see also under Helianthus xlaetiflorus). Several perennial species of Helianthus are regarded as invasive environmental weeds in parts of Europe, especially along river courses (see Balogh l.c.). 1. Annual === 2 1. Perennial === 4 2. Central receptacular scales with a conspicuous tuft of long white hairs at apex === 5. Helianthus petiolaris 2. Central receptacular scales without a tuft of long white hairs at apex (but scales often with some scattered, short white hairs towards apex) === 3 3. Involucral bracts usually broadly ovate (5-8 mm wide), abruptly narrowed at apex. Leaf blade often rounded to slightly cordate at base, sometimes truncate === 1. H. annuus 3.

Involucral bracts lanceolate (up to 4 mm wide), gradually narrowed at apex. Leaf blade truncate or rounded at base === 2. H. debilis 4. Leaves very narrow, linear-lanceolate, 2-12 mm wide, (sub-) entire at margin. Stem glabrous === 6. H. salicifolius 4. Leaves much wider, ovate and serrate at margin. Stem scabrous to hirsute === 5 5. Involucral bracts usually markedly unequal (the outermost shorter than the inner), always closely appressed, ca. 6-12 mm long, acute at apex === 4. H. xlaetiflorus 5. Involucral bracts subequal, very loosely appressed, ca. 10-20 mm long, long-acuminate at apex === 6 6. Stem rough hairy throughout, up to 3 m tall. Involucral bracts usually not surpassing disc diameter. Laminae of ray florets 25-40 mm long. Rhizomes usually with tubers (but often hardly produced outside of cultivation!).

Flowering in late autumn (from October onwards) or not at all === 7. H. tuberosus 6. Stem glabrous, at least in the lower half, rarely exceeding 1,5 m. Involucral bracts surpassing disc diameter. Laminae of ray florets 20-25 mm long. Rhizomes never with tubers. Flowering from early August onwards === 3. H. decapetalus Literature: Balogh L. (2008) Sunflower species (Helianthus spp.). In: Botta-Dukát Z. & Balogh L. (eds.), The most important invasive plants in Hungary. Institute of Ecology and Botany, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Vácrátót, Hungary: 227-255. Brown N. (2000) Helianthus. In: Cullen J. & al. (eds.), The European Garden Flora, vol. 6. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: 652-656. Filep R., Balogh L. & Csergo A.-M.

(2010) Perennial Helianthus taxa in Târgu-Mures city and its surroundings. J. Plant Develop. 17: 69-74 [available online at: ]. Gudžinskas Z. & Petrulaitis L. (2014) Helianthus grosseserratus, A New Alien Plant Species in Lithuania. Botanica Lithuanica 20(2): 173-176. [available online at: ] Heiser C.B. (1976) The sunflower. University of Oklahoma Press: 198 p. Heiser C.B., Smith D.M., Clevenger S. & Martin W.C. (1969) The North American sunflowers (Helianthus). Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 22(3): 1-218. Jäger E.J., Ebel F., Hanelt P. & Müller G. (eds.) (2008) Rothmaler Band 5. Exkursionsflora von Deutschland. Krautige Zier- und Nutzpflanzen.

Springer Verlag, Berlin: 880 p. Kirschner J. & Šída O. (2004) Helianthus. In: Slavík B. & Štĕpánková (eds.), Kvĕtena České Republiky, vol. 7. Academia, Praha: 322-331. Kress C. (2014) Beeindruckende Staudensonnenblumen. Gartenpraxis 04.2014: 12-17. Rehorek V. (1997) Pestované a zplanelé vytrvalé druhy rodu Helianthus v Evrope. Preslia 69: 59-70. Rogers C.E., Thompson T.E. & Seiler G.J. (1982) Sunflower species of the United States. National Sunflower Association, Bismarck: 75 p. Schilling E.E. (2006) Helianthus.

In: Flora of North America Editorial Committee (eds.), Flora of North America, vol. 21. Oxford University Press, New York-Oxford: 141-169. Sell P. & Murrell G. (2006) Flora of Great Britain and Ireland. Vol. 4 Campanulaceae – Asteraceae. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge: XXVIII + 624 p. Stace C. (2010) New flora of the British Isles, 3th ed.: XXXII + 1232 p. Cambridge University Press. Thellung A. (1913) Die in Mitteleuropa kultivierten und verwilderten Aster- und Helianthusarten nebst einem Schlüssel zur Bestimmung derselben. Allg. Bot. Zeitschr. 19: 87-89, 101-112, 132-140. Watson E.E. (1929) Contributions to a monograph of the genus Helianthus. Pap. Michigan Acad. Sc.

9: 305-475. Taxonomic name: Helianthus annuus and cvs. | Fine Gardening Helianthus annuus and cvs. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus and cvs.) hee-lee-AN-thus AN-yew-us Genus: Helianthus Sunflowers are some of the easiest plants to start from seed. They are available in numerous cultivars which span the range of heights, flower colors, and form.

Noteworthy Characteristics: Cultivars include 'Giant Grey Stripe' and 'Russian Giant'; 4- to 5-foot-tall ‘Primrose Yellow’; pure yellow, black-centered ‘Sunrich Lemon’, a pollen-free cultivar ideal for cut flowers; ‘Valentine’, a 5-foot-tall, base-branching plant with pale yellow petals and a big brown middle; 6- to 8-foot-tall ‘Autumn Beauty’ and the similar ‘Inca Jewels’, with flowers in a mix of colors; ‘Music Box’, a 2-1/2 footer similar to ‘Autumn Beauty’; ‘Sunburst’, another mix of colors on 4-foot plants; ‘Taiyo’, a 6-foot version of the classic tall sunflower; ‘Sunbeam’, a green-hearted golden flower; and ‘Teddy Bear’ and ‘Orange Sun Double', doubles. Care: Tall cultivars may require support. Needs long, hot summers to flower well. Grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil. Propagation: Sow seed in situ in spring or in pots in late winter.

Problems: Common: downy mildew, powdery mildew, canker, rust, and many fungal leaf spots. Also susceptible to damage from caterpillars, cutworms, beetles, and weevils. Overview Sunflower | The Flower Expert - Flowers Encyclopedia Sunflower Did you know? Europe and the USSR produce over 60% of the world's Sunflowers. The Sunflower paintings of Vincent Van Gogh show a mental connection not only between the artist's name and the painting, but also between the artist and the influence of Sunflowers on the development of art through these paintings. Van Gogh's Sunflower paintings have altered mankind's perspective of art and life. These Sunflower photos captivate the mind and leave you astounded in their simplistic beauty. Sunflowers make up the genus Helianthus. In Greek, helios means sun and anthos means flower, thus Sunflower. The genus, which contains about 67 species, is thought to be native to the Americas (North, South) originally, and were domesticated around 1000 B.C. Although, Sunflowers are now distributed almost worldwide.

Kingdom Species annuus The large, solitary Sunflower blossom, sometimes as large as a meter in diameter, is composed of yellow ray flowers and a central disk.n The Central disk is composed of either yellow, brown, or purple flowers, depending on the species. The flower is actually a head (formerly composite flower) of numerous flowers crowded together. The outer flowers on the Sunflower are the ray florets and can be yellow, maroon, orange, or other colors. These flowers are sterile. The flowers that fill the circular head inside the ray flowers are called disc florets. Sunflower plants are cultivated in Sunflower farms for their seeds. Refined Sunflower-seed oil is edible, sunflowers have 39 to 49% oil in the seed. Sunflower seed accounts for about 14% of the world production of seed oils (6.9 million metric tons in 1985-86) and about 7% of the oilcake and meal produced from oilseeds. Sunflower oil is generally considered a premium oil because of its light color, high level of unsaturated fatty acids and lack of linolenic acid, bland flavor and high smoke points.

Sunflower is the preferred and the most commonly used oil. Facts About Sunflower Sunflower is the national flower of Russia and the state flower of Kansas, USA. Sunflower is notable for turning to face the Sun, a behavior known as heliotropism. Sunflowers were cultivated by Native Americans well over 1000 years ago. Sunflower heads consist of 1,000 to 2,000 individual flowers joined together by a receptacle base. The large petals around the edge of a sunflower head are individual ray flowers which do not develop into seed. Sunflower seeds have lots of calcium and 11 other important minerals. They do have 50% fat, but it is mostly polyunsaturated linoleic acid. Wild Sunflower is highly branched with small heads and small seeds, in contrast to the single-stem and large seed head of domesticated sunflower. Sunflower perfumes are also popular. According to the 1996 Guiness Book of Records, the tallest Sunflower ever grown measured 25 feet 5 and 1/2 inches.

According to the 1996 Guiness Book of Records, the smallest sunflower ever grown to maturity measured 2 and 1/5 inches. According to the 1996 Guiness Book of Records, the largest sunflower head measured 32 and 1/4 inches across. The Modern Sunflower Kitchens have a large number of sunflower decorated items like sunflower painted crockery, Dinner sets, and living rooms with sunflower wallpaper, S. wallpaper art, S. Wallpaper borders, Sunflower rugs, Sunflower pillows. Golden mini Sunflowers herald sunny summer days. The carefree sunflower bouquet sends cheery wishes for all those special occasions - birthday, wedding anniversary, new baby, get well, or to simply say thanks. Food Uses of Sunflower The edible sunflower seeds can be eaten raw, cooked, roasted, or dried and ground for use in bread or cakes, as a snack. The seeds and the roasted seed shells have been used as a coffee substitute. Oil can be extracted and used for cooking and soap making. Yellow dyes have been made from the flowers, and black dyes from the seeds.

The residue oil cake has been used as cattle and poultry feed, and high quality silage can be made from the whole plant. The buoyant pith of the stalk has been used in the making of life preservers. Growing Sunflowers Sunflowers do best in soil with lots of water holding capacity, drainage and fertilzer. Sunflower roots grow deep and spread a lot, so they can stand a dryspell every now and then. You should not over water a sunflower 20 days before and 20 days after flowering. This might deform the flower heads. If you really want your sunflower to do well, do soil tests. Too high nitrogen is not good, and make sure you have potassium and phosphorus in the soil. Start by planting seeds in damp soil 1-2" deep. Seeds should be space 12 inches apart in rows that are 2 to 2 1/2 feet apart. If you want your sunflower to have a large head, space further apart and scatter them around the garden. They usually start to appear within a two week time frame. They should be completely grown in 80-90 days.

Sunflower Plant Care Weed control should usually be done by hand-weeding or with the use of herbicides to avoid damging shallow roots. Fertilization should be based on the results of a soil test. In the absence of a soil test, apply a complete fertilizer such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 at the rate of 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet of bed area just before new shoots emerge in the early spring. Avoid touching any emerging leaves with fertilizer to avoid leaf damage. Many newly planted perennials will not bloom the first year. A few, such as peonies, may take several years to bloom heavily. Many perennials should be staked to prevent them from bending or falling over during wind and rain. When staking is done correctly, the plants grow to cover the stakes. Remove old flowers to encourage rebloom on perennials. Many perennials should be cut back to ground level after blooming is finished to encourage new leaf growth from the base. Remove dead foliage and stems in the fall, and mulch to protect crowns and roots from alternating mild and freezing weather. Most perennials eventually become overcrowded and require division.

Many perennials are also easily propagated in this way. Other methods of propagating perennials include stem cuttings, root cuttings and seed. Subscribe Get 10% off on pickupflowers.com explore Giant Sungold Sunflower Seeds Huge 10-inch Flowers of Solid Golden! Giant Sungold Sunflower Seeds Stately 6- to 7-foot plants! The full-size version of the popular dwarf Sunflower, Teddy Bear!

Genus: Helianthus Item Form: (P) Pkt of 50 seeds Bloom Start To End: Early Summer - Early Fall Seeds Per Pack: 50 Plant Height: 6 ft - 7 ft Bloom Size: 10 in Additional Characteristics: Bird Lovers, Direct Sow, Flower Bloom Color: Gold Resistance: Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant Soil Tolerance: Normal, loamy So we can ensure the best delivery and pricing Find My Zone (P) Pkt of 50 seeds Item # 00901-PK-P1 Buy 3+ at $1.95 ea Quantity Item Form: (P) Pkt of 50 seeds Bloom Start To End: Early Summer - Early Fall Seeds Per Pack: 50 Plant Height: 6 ft - 7 ft Bloom Size: 10 in Additional Characteristics: Bird Lovers, Direct Sow, Flower Bloom Color: Gold Resistance: Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant Soil Tolerance: Normal, loamy FAQ A Giant Sunflower with closed eyes! These massive 10-inch double blooms are stuffed with tiny, densely-packed petals of richest golden-yellow, all the way to the center!

The effect is of unbelievable frilly petal power on imposing 6- to 7-foot plants. Giant Sungold is the full-size version of one of the most beloved dwarf Sunflowers ever, the charming 3-foot Teddy Bear. The two look great together in a border or bed, and make super arrangements. Giant Sungold is long-lasting in the garden or vase. Sunflowers are the kings of the natural sunny summer garden, attracting butterflies and birds. They're wonderfully easy to grow--just direct-sow the large seeds after all danger of frost. Not picky about soil type, they need direct sun. Thin the plants to 2 to 4 feet apart so that they can show off their foliage a bit as they grow. Pkt is 50 seeds. Overall Rating: 5 Stars Average Based on 2 Reviews Write a Review Sungold Yuki from CA wrote (November 29, 2012): Incredibly beautiful. Slower growing than some varieties, but the best branching I've ever seen. Half the plants looked like the picture, and the other half were a little darker with longer outside petals, but still very pretty. Overall great plant & can't wait to plant more next year.

giant jim from CA wrote (February 22, 2012): love this plant here in south sebastopol cant wait for another show this summer Helianthus is the botanical name for Sunflower Helianthus Germination Information Can be sown indoors at 68-86° (will germinate over a wide temperature range) Sow 2-3 weeks before planting out Expect germination in 5-10 days They can be sown outdoors after last frost, but remember: they are a favorite food of birds and rodents and may be eaten by them When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed How to Grow Helianthus: Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves Spacing: Plant out 2-4 feet apart in full sun in a light soil Soil: Very tolerant of drought and poor soils Temperature: Grow on at 70-75° days and 65-68° nights Additional Care: If planted in partial shade, staking may be necessary to support plants, or plants can be pinched at planting to promote branching Appearance and Use: Grown for its edible seeds and for orn

amental use in the border.

These following flower in late summer and are very large and vigorous. Helianthus annuus, Common Sunflower, grows 4-6 feet tall with daisy-like flower heads in a multitude of sizes and colors, but generally with brown disk flowers and showy yellow ray florets. Helianthus debilis grows 4-7 feet tall and generally have 3 inch, yellow or white flowers. Helianthus giganteus, Giant Sunflower, is a perennial to Zone 3 but is commonly grown as an annual. It grows 9-12 feet tall and sports giant, 1 foot diameter flowers with light yellow to gold showy ray florets. All of the above have large, coarse, hairy, and somewhat sticky leaves About Helianthus: Origination: Asteraceae, native to North America Common Name: Sunflower Superior Germination Through Superior Science Park Seed offers some of the highest-quality vegetable and flower seeds available in the industry, and there are a number of reasons for this. First of all, we have humidity- and temperature-controlled storage, and we never treat any of our seeds with chemicals or pesticides.

Nor do we ever sell GMO's (genetically modified seeds), so you always know the products you're buying from us are natural as well as safe for you and the environment. Superior Standards - University Inspected To make sure we are providing the best seed product possible and that our customers will get the highest number of seedlings from every packet, we conduct our own germination testing and have quality-control measures in every stage of our seed-handling operation. We hold ourselves to standards that are at or above federal and state standards, including testing specific crops more frequently than recommended by federal guidelines. And in order to maintain our organic certification, we welcome Clemson University to inspect us annually to make sure our organic seeds, which are stored and processed separately, are being handled properly. Hand Packed By Experienced Technicians Park Seed has been handling and packing vegetable and flower seeds for 145 years, a history that has given us a great understanding of how each variety should be cared for and maintained throughout every step of theprocess, from collection to shipping. When packing our seeds, the majority are actually done by hand (with extreme care!), and we often over-pack them, so you're receiving more than the stated quantity.

The Park Seed Gold Standard And many of our seeds are packed in our exclusive Fresh-Pak gold foil packets, which are lined to keep moisture out, so the seeds stay fresher for longer. We carefully pack very tiny or fragile seeds in crush-proof vials to ensure safe delivery to your home. Some of the small seeds are also offered as "pellets" (have a clay coating) to make sowing and growing easier. When it comes to the kinds of seeds we offer, we are constantly seeking something new and provide many unique and hard-to-find varieties from all around the world. Our on-staff horticulturists are ready and available to share their expertise to help you with the success of these seeds, so you can grow a beautiful and productive garden! Does Park sell GMO's or treated seeds? It is important for our customers to know that Park Seed does not sell GMO or treated seed. We do buy a small amount of traditional hybrid seed from Seminis, a division of Monsanto Co., but that is all we purchase from them. What are the differences between organic, heirloom, and hybrid seed?

Basically, organic seeds are seeds that are produced without the use and exposure to artificial/chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals. They have to be grown, harvested, stored, and handled under very strict organic rules and procedures. All of our organic seeds are USDA 100% certified organic through Clemson University and the certificate has to be renewed yearly. Heirloom Seeds are open-pollinated -- they are not hybrids. You can gather and save heirloom seed from year to year and they will grow true to type every year, so they can be passed down through generations. To be considered an heirloom, a variety would have to be at least from the 1940's and 3 generations old (many varieties are much older -- some 100 years or more!). Hybrid seed are the product of cross-pollination between 2 different parent plants, resulting in a new plant/seed that is different from the parents. Unlike Heirloom seed, hybrid seed need to be re-purchased new every year (and not saved).

They usually will not grow true to type if you save them, but will revert to one of the parents they were crossed with and most likely look/taste different in some way. What are pelleted seeds? Why do you use them? How do I handle/sow them? Extremely small seed such as Petunias and Pentas are shipped as pelleted seed to make them easier to handle and sow. Pelleted seed are coated, usually with clay, to make them larger in size. After sowing, the coating will dissolve when wet and the seed will germinate. Pelleted seeds are shipped in vials placed inside seed packets, which protects them from being crushed. When sowing, be certain to use thoroughly moistened soil, to be sure that the clay coating absorbs enough moisture to dissolve. For sowing pelleted Petunia seeds, place the seeds directly on the soil surface and do not cover with soil, as light aids in the germination. What is ideal temperature to germinate most seeds? The ideal temperature to germinate most seeds is approximately 70 degrees F; give or take 1-2 degrees either way.

This would be a good germination temperature for most flower and vegetable seeds and would be the most practical and feasible temperatures achieved for gardeners starting seeds in the home. You will notice for some seeds that it is recommended to use alternating day (warmer), night (cooler), temperatures, which is fine if one can provide such conditions. But most people are unable to provide those temperatures in a home setting, so just use the overall 70 degree F recommendation and the seeds should germinate well. How long should grow lights be kept on per day and how close to the plants should the light be kept? For germination and seedling/plant growth, you want to simulate the natural day-night cycles, and as a general rule, grow lights should be on 8-12 hours per day and off at night. You can vary this timing, as some seeds such as tomato, pepper, petunia, impatiens, and others, benefit from 14-17 hours of light per day (and the remainder of the 24 hour period in darkness). The most common grow lights used are fluorescent; using cool white, warm white, and wide-spectrum fluorescent tubes.

These lights work well for germination and for growing plants up to a transplantable size. Fluorescent lights should be kept close though, 3-6 inches above the soil or the growing plants, adjusting the height as the plants grow. How long will seeds keep in storage? Park Seed stores seed in a special temperature- and humidity-controlled storage facility, which keeps seeds in excellent condition. Our seeds should be good for at least 1-2 years on average. Seed viability and storage time will vary depending on the seed item; some will keep a shorter time and some will keep longer. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement will do (if not too humid), or a cool, dark room or closet. We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store them in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years. What is the best way to store seeds over a longer time period? We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store seeds in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator.

This will extend the life of seeds for many years. What depth should I sow various seeds? When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions. Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. The planting depth for small seed can be anywhere from barely covering, to 1/8-inch deep, to possibly 1/4-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Medium seed should be planted at 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Larger seeds can be planted 1-inch or deeper, depending on the recommendation. FAQ Does Park sell GMO's or treated seeds? It is important for our customers to know that Park Seed does not sell GMO or treated seed. We do buy a small amount of traditional hybrid seed from Seminis, a division of Monsanto Co., but that is all we purchase from them.

What are the differences between organic, heirloom, and hybrid seed? Basically, organic seeds are seeds that are produced without the use and exposure to artificial/chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals. They have to be grown, harvested, stored, and handled under very strict organic rules and procedures. All of our organic seeds are USDA 100% certified organic through Clemson University and the certificate has to be renewed yearly. Heirloom Seeds are open-pollinated -- they are not hybrids. You can gather and save heirloom seed from year to year and they will grow true to type every year, so they can be passed down through generations. To be considered an heirloom, a variety would have to be at least from the 1940's and 3 generations old (many varieties are much older -- some 100 years or more!). Hybrid seed are the product of cross-pollination between 2 different parent plants, resulting in a new plant/seed that is different from the parents. Unlike Heirloom seed, hybrid seed need to be re-purchased new every year (and not saved).

They usually will not grow true to type if you save them, but will revert to one of the parents they were crossed with and most likely look/taste different in some way. What are pelleted seeds? Why do you use them? How do I handle/sow them? Extremely small seed such as Petunias and Pentas are shipped as pelleted seed to make them easier to handle and sow. Pelleted seed are coated, usually with clay, to make them larger in size. After sowing, the coating will dissolve when wet and the seed will germinate. Pelleted seeds are shipped in vials placed inside seed packets, which protects them from being crushed. When sowing, be certain to use thoroughly moistened soil, to be sure that the clay coating absorbs enough moisture to dissolve. For sowing pelleted Petunia seeds, place the seeds directly on the soil surface and do not cover with soil, as light aids in the germination. What is ideal temperature to germinate most seeds? The ideal temperature to germinate most seeds is approximately 70 degrees F; give or take 1-2 degrees either way.

This would be a good germination temperature for most flower and vegetable seeds and would be the most practical and feasible temperatures achieved for gardeners starting seeds in the home. You will notice for some seeds that it is recommended to use alternating day (warmer), night (cooler), temperatures, which is fine if one can provide such conditions. But most people are unable to provide those temperatures in a home setting, so just use the overall 70 degree F recommendation and the seeds should germinate well. How long should grow lights be kept on per day and how close to the plants should the light be kept? For germination and seedling/plant growth, you want to simulate the natural day-night cycles, and as a general rule, grow lights should be on 8-12 hours per day and off at night. You can vary this timing, as some seeds such as tomato, pepper, petunia, impatiens, and others, benefit from 14-17 hours of light per day (and the remainder of the 24 hour period in darkness). The most common grow lights used are fluorescent; using cool white, warm white, and wide-spectrum fluorescent tubes.

These lights work well for germination and for growing plants up to a transplantable size. Fluorescent lights should be kept close though, 3-6 inches above the soil or the growing plants, adjusting the height as the plants grow. How long will seeds keep in storage? Park Seed stores seed in a special temperature- and humidity-controlled storage facility, which keeps seeds in excellent condition. Our seeds should be good for at least 1-2 years on average. Seed viability and storage time will vary depending on the seed item; some will keep a shorter time and some will keep longer. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement will do (if not too humid), or a cool, dark room or closet. We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store them in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years. What is the best way to store seeds over a longer time period? We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store seeds in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator.

This will extend the life of seeds for many years. What depth should I sow various seeds? When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions. Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. The planting depth for small seed can be anywhere from barely covering, to 1/8-inch deep, to possibly 1/4-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Medium seed should be planted at 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Larger seeds can be planted 1-inch or deeper, depending on the recommendation. Things You May Need Ten things to know about the flowers of fall: Sunflowers | NSF - National Science Foundation Ten things to know about the flowers of fall: Sunflowers Scientists unfurl common flowers' genetic secrets Flowers of fall: Sunflowers cover roadside farm fields in autumn.

Credit and Larger Version October 14, 2014 As fall fields turn bright with color, what might we learn from roadside rows of sunflowers--and the sunflower seeds widely used to feed birds in colder weather? Scientists are finding that answers to biological and environmental questions large and small may be hidden in the petals of common sunflowers. For example, how frequently and under what conditions does evolution take the same path? When independent populations evolve the same characteristics, are the underlying genetic changes similar or different? To peer into the world of speciation--how one species branches into another--the National Science Foundation (NSF) spoke with George Gilchrist, a program director in the agency's Division of Environmental Biology and with Ken Whitney, a plant biologist at the University of New Mexico who studies populations of experimental sunflowers in Texas. With funding from NSF, Whitney and botanist Loren Rieseberg of Indiana University Bloomington and the University of British Columbia are learning whether sunflowers are converging or diverging in their traits. 1) Why do scientists study sunflowers? Whitney (KW): Sunflowers represent a "recent" success story.

In the past three million years, this group has diverged (or branched into new species) in some 50 species in North America. Sunflowers live in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts to salt marshes. Sunflowers also contain examples of many important processes, including the evolution of both annual and perennial lifestyles, hybridization (mating between species) and the phenomena of polyploidy (the doubling of chromosome sets in a lineage). All this combines in an "evolutionary cauldron." 2) Where did sunflowers originate? (KW): The genus Helianthus, true sunflowers, is native to North America. The common sunflower, H. annuus, and its seeds are one of only three crops that were domesticated north of Mexico. The second, sumpweed, was a favorite of Native Americans, but is no longer in use; the third, Jerusalem artichoke, is actually the root of another sunflower species, H. tuberosus. 3) What are the major commercial uses of sunflowers? (KW): Oilseed sunflower varieties are used to produce oil used in cooking.

A separate set of varieties, called confectionary varieties, has been developed to produce the large seeds we eat directly--such as those that are roasted and salted. 4) How do sunflowers link North America and Russia? (KW): Although the crop sunflower originated in North America, it had to travel to Europe to achieve its current form. Much of the breeding for large seed size and high oil content was done in Russia in the 1800s, a legacy that is still with us in the sunflower variety called "Russian Mammoth." Many of us grow this plant in home gardens. Sunflower varieties from Russia made it back to the U.S. in the late 1880s, but it was not until the 1930s and 1940s that crop sunflowers were grown on a large commercial scale in the United States. 5) What's the difference between wild sunflowers and those that are domesticated and grown as crops? (KW): Both wild and crop sunflowers are the same species, H. annuus. Wild sunflowers have many flowering heads on each plant, and have small seeds.

A major event in the domestication of the sunflower was the creation of a "monocephalic" plant with a single large flowering head and large seeds. 6) How much diversity is there in wild sunflowers? (KW): The 50 or so species of wild sunflowers are both ecologically and genetically diverse. The U.S. Department of Agriculture maintains seed stocks of most wild sunflower species, in part because they contain genetic material that can be used to improve cultivated sunflower varieties. For example, a pest-resistant species might provide genes that could decrease pest damage in cultivated sunflowers. 7) What ecological factors drive sunflowers' diversity? (KW): Sunflowers live in a wide range of habitats, and are widespread across the North American continent. That geographic range means that sunflowers have adapted to very different environmental conditions during the course of their radiation. 8) Are there medical treatments derived from sunflower products? (KW): Sunflower products, especially the oil from the seeds, have long been used in folk medicine, but I'm not aware of any uses in modern medicine. 9) Do wild sunflowers hybridize? What role has hybridization played in speciation?

(KW): Sunflowers are notorious for hybridizing: mating across species boundaries and exchanging genetic material between species. Sometimes this genetic exchange leads to improved performance, for example in the Texas sunflower our team has been studying. We have evidence that when wild H. annuus captured genes from another species, H. debilis, it was able to expand its range southward and become a new subspecies, H. annuus texanus. In other sunflowers, hybridization may lead to entirely new species. The sunflowers H. annuus and H. petiolaris have hybridized repeatedly and have produced three new sunflower species that live on the desert floor, on sand dunes, and in salt marshes. Gilchrist (GG): This research has been critical to understanding how hybridization can lead to rapid speciation. While many hybrids are sterile, some genetic changes create hybrids with extra sets of chromosomes that are fully fertile, but reproductively isolated from their parents. These new hybrid sunflowers often are uniquely adapted to new habitats that neither of the parent species occupies. Speciation by hybridization is very common in plants and may play a major role in plant diversification. 10) Do insects and pathogens attack sunflowers?

(KW): Sunflowers are indeed attacked by insects, especially grasshoppers, caterpillars, aphids and their relatives, as well as by fungal and bacterial pathogens. A sunflower's life, scientists say, is no bed of roses. -- Cheryl Dybas, NSF (703) 292-7734 cdybas@nsf.gov Related Websites NSF Grant: Repeatability and genetic architecture of adaptive introgression: a long-term experimental evolution study in sunflowers: Close-up view of a sunflower crop; the flowers form a photographic bouquet.

Question: Which flowers form the majority of the genus Helianthus?
Answer: Sunflowers