Sunflowers need no introduction. Everyone knows these tall, striking plants with their cheerful, large blooms. Patio Sunflower Sunspot Cola is a variety of sunflower that is low growing, instead of other varieties which can grow really high. The little, low growing sunflowers have attractive, sunny, warm bright yellow flowers with an attractive and contrasting black eye. The flowers stand on firm, light green stems and are surrounded by light green, robust leaves. A very fast grower that is easy to cultivate. It needs a spacious, sunny location with shelter from the wind and support. Sunflowers are native to North and Central America, originating in the following countries: Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and the United States. Sunflower is also known as Common Sunflower, Wild Sunflower, Kansas Sunflower and Mirasol. Sunflower is a member of the Asteraceae family, along with: Yarrow, Yellow Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, Greater Burdock, Arnica, Aster, Wormwood, Daisy, Marigold, Marigold, Tagetes, Erythropsis, Endive, Cornflower, Globe Thistle, Lettuce, Currant Plant, Artichoke, Woodruff, Jerusalem Artichoke, Ragwort, Chicory, Daisy, Road Thistle, Coneflower, Goldenrod, Dandelion, Corn Salad, Mouse-Ear, Wild, Chicory, Black Knives, Meadowsweet, and Late Goldenrod. Sunflowers combine well with the following plants: Asters, Dahlias, Cosmea, Zinnia, Pampas Grass, Sedum, and with vegetables such as Corn, Cucumber, Zucchini, and Beans.
Plant sunflowers in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Provide sturdy support for tall plants. Some sunflower varieties can have multiple flower heads per stem. Sunflowers are known for turning toward the sun. A lesser-known fact is that the flower petals can be eaten. Add them as an edible and colorful garnish to salads or other dishes. The unopened sunflower buds are also edible. Use them as an artichoke substitute. Sunflower seeds are also edible and can be used in all kinds of dishes or as a healthy snack. The seeds can be used raw or roasted, or as a healthy and delicious bird food. Sunflower oil is also extracted from the seeds. This oil contains many unsaturated fatty acids and is heat-resistant, making it suitable for frying and baking. Sunflower oil is a good source of linoleic acid, which can help lower blood cholesterol. Sunflower leaves are used as animal feed. The seeds are also fed to chickens to promote egg production and darken the color of the egg yolk. The flower can also be used as a vegetable dye, dyeing fabric yellow. Bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and other beneficial insects also love patio sunflower Sunspot Cola. Sunflowers can also be grown in large pots. Because they are easy to grow, sunflowers are also fun to garden with children. Remove dead flowers regularly. Sunflowers flowers from July till October. Non hardy annual. Height: 40 cm.
