Correct Cultivation Of Sunflowers

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Someone, but this flower always knows which side the sun is shining from, and always turns to it faithfully. And how many delicious seeds you can get from this plant! How to tame a sunflower in your garden?

The native land of the annual sunflower is North and South America. This is the most recognizable plant in the world, which in the old days was considered a symbol of the sun god. Beautiful bright flowers also symbolize the arrival of summer. Sunflower is no less famous for its beneficial properties.

1. General information about sunflower

The average height of a sunflower is about 1.5 meters, but it can be even higher. The plant has bright yellow petals and a dark, round heart in which the seeds ripen. The center of the sunflower consists of 34 spirals directed in one direction and 54 spirals directed in the other direction. This arrangement is conducive to the growth of a large number of seeds.

2. Correct cultivation of sunflowers

This flower is quite picky and easy enough to grow. It withstands high air temperature and drought well, is not afraid of insects and diseases. Birds, squirrels, rabbits and other forest animals love sunflower seeds, so you need to take care of the safety of the seeds in advance.

Influence of sunlight

Sunflower is a sun-loving plant. He needs 6-8 hours to be in the sun.

· The soil

The plant needs a loose and dried soil with a pH of 6-7, 5.

Watering procedure

Sunflowers prefer dryness, they cannot be flooded with water, so it is enough to water them once a week.

Fertilization

Sunflowers are fed with compost or nitrogen fertilizers. When the plant gets stronger, you can do without fertilizers.

Sowing

Plants are sown after frost, as soon as the ground warms up. This is done in rows, every 30-40 cm (low varieties are sown closer to each other). Better to leave a larger distance between the rows - up to one meter. Sowing depth - 5-7 cm.

· Support

In order for the sunflower to grow exactly vertically, and the wind does not break it, you can use bamboo or wooden stakes for support.

Pest control

An iron mesh fence will protect sunflower crops from forest animals. Birds will not bite a sunflower if you wrap the inflorescences with any breathable material (gauze, tulle, old sheet).

3. Where and how sunflower is used

Sunflower roots, stems, flowers are very useful. There are many ways to use them.

Use of sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds contain a large amount of vitamins E, B3 and B6, copper, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, folic acid. The seeds of the plant have anti-inflammatory and purifying properties, reduce blood cholesterol levels, calm the nervous system, and heal the heart.

Use of sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is very aromatic. It is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, making it a healthy fat with which you can cook healthy foods. It is suitable for frying, baking, salads, homemade pickles and sauces. It is used as a skin tonic due to the presence of vitamin E. It removes free radicals well, restores skin cells, accelerates healing, and moisturizes the skin. Sunflower seed is a little useful for hair: it prevents breakage and thinning.

Application of sunflower flour

Sunflower flour contains a lot of protein and various minerals, trace elements: thiamine, pantothenic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper. Flour is used in place of nut, almond or wheat flour.

The use of sunflower in food

Not only sunflower seeds are eaten, but the whole plant, along with roots, stems, leaves and petals. It tastes good enough. The plant also has healing properties: it treats joints, cleanses the body, and strengthens the immune system. Pieces of sunflower are delicious fried, they can be steamed, mashed, eaten raw in salads.

Sunflower stalks are similar to celery and have a mild flavor and a pleasant crunch. Sunflower leaves are eaten raw in salads and boiled as a side dish. They can be brewed like tea and taken to relieve fever, cough, or diarrhea. Bright yellow sunflower petals are perfect for decorating sweet dishes and salads. They are also edible and healthy.

Making a natural dye

Sunflower petals are a natural dye. They are placed in a stainless steel bowl, filled with water and boiled for about an hour. Then it is filtered to obtain a natural dye for wool, cotton, silk, flax.

Making candles, soap, lotion

Sunflower oil can be used to make homemade soaps, lotions, and candles.