Dwarf sunflower 'Sunspot'
Helianthus annuus
Sunflower
An excellent dwarf sunflower, with single stem to 50cm, but retaining giant blooms up to 25cm in diameter. Sturdy stems hold the blooms up, with very little "nodding", and will flower into late autumn.
You can enjoy both the buds of sunflower plants and the petals of mature blooms. The greens are also edible. Sunflower sprouts are delicate, while the older leaves can be a little tough and fibrous
Average height: 50cm
Aspect: Full Sun
Soil type: Grows in most soil types
Sowing period: March-May
First signs of blossom: 6 to 8 weeks
Average flowering period: 4 months
Contents: Approximately 50 seeds
Sunflowers have been proven to be excellent plants to attract beneficial insects, including pollinators.
Harvesting
Sunflower sprouts taste fresh and green, perfect for salads or a topping on stir fries and soups. Use the older leaves as you would other greens: boiled, steamed, sautéed. Remove the center rib before cooking, as it can be pretty tough.
The petals of sunflowers are also edible. Pluck them individually to toss into salads. The flavor is unique, described as bittersweet or a little nutty. They make a nice contrast to other flavors in salads. When eating sunflower petals, leave them raw so you don’t lose the flavor and texture.
