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.
Indoor sowing/under glass: April - May
Outdoor sowing: end of May - August
Germination: 14 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 20 - 30 °C
Sowing depth: ½ - 1 cm
Sowing in rows: 30 cm
Plant distance: 60 - 90 cm (depends on size of sunflower)
Plant position: sunny - sheltered
Flowering period: July - October
Sow the seeds from the beginning of April indoors in a propagator in a warm room or in a heated greenhouse. The soil temperature should be at least 20°C. It's important that the temperature is as constant as possible, as this ensures better germination. Don't let the temperature drop at night. You can use a tray with moist sowing soil or separate pots for sowing. When using separate pots: sow 2 seeds per pot in pots of approx. 10 cm Ø. Cover the seeds with a layer of ½ to 1 cm of seed soil. Keep well warm and moist.
As soon as the young seedlings are 5 - 8 cm tall, they should be transplanted to separate pots. In May, as soon as there is no more chance of night frost, the young seedlings can be moved outside. Allow the young seedlings to harden off gradually ( 10 days) before placing them outside. Place the plants in a sunny spot with shelter from the wind. Support the plants if necessary.
In May, as soon as it gets warmer and there is no risk of night frost, you can sow directly in the garden in a prepared seedbed in the desired position or in a large flowerpot. Sow 2 seeds per hole and leave 60 - 90 cm space, depending on the height of the plants. Cover the seeds with ½ - 1 cm of seed soil. Press lightly and keep moist. Provide a sunny spot with shelter from the wind.
The seedlings appear after 14 - 21 days. Remove 1 weak seedling per location. If seedlings are removed, they can be replanted somewhere else. Again, allow 60 - 90 cm space, depending on the height of the plants. Keep soil moist and weed free. Protect the young seedlings against snails. Sunflowers need a sunny and sheltered spot. Depending on the location and height of the plant, it may be necessary to support the plants.
