SUN FLOWER

 

Description

Sunflower, Helianthus annuus, is a herbaceous yearly plant in the family Asteraceae, developed for its seeds. The plant has a thick, bushy, erect stem which brings about a huge blossom head. The plant has huge, expansive lower leaves which are oval and masterminded then again on the stem and more modest, smaller upper leaves which are appended exclusively to the stem. The bloom head is a huge plate arriving at 10–30 cm (4–12 in) in distance across which is comprised of 16–30 individual florets which are yellow-gold in shading. The external florets are sterile and produce the external petals of the blossom head, while the inward florets will develop into the seeds in the focal circle. Sunflowers are yearly plants, collected get-togethers developing prepare and can arrive at 1–3.5 m (3.3–11.5 ft) in tallness. Sunflower may likewise be alluded to as girasole and starts from North America.

Employments

Sunflower seeds can be eaten either new or cooked or used to extricate oil which is generally utilized in cooking. The seeds are generally gathered for bird seeds. Sunflowers are regularly developed as fancy plants because of their huge, alluring blossom head.

Propagation

Necessities Sunflowers are for the most part exceptionally simple to develop and flourish in regions with long sweltering summers which advance blooming. They develop best at temperatures somewhere in the range of 21 and 25.5°C (70–78°F). Sunflowers can be exceptionally enormous and require a lot of room in spite of the fact that there are a few assortments which have been extraordinarily reared to be reduced for filling in more modest spaces or for filling in holders. Sunflowers will fill in an assortment of soils as long as they are not waterlogged and can be developed effectively at a pH going from 6.0 to 7.5. A pH above 6.0 isn't suggested. They ought to be filled in a space that gets full daylight and it is desirable over furnish them with some sanctuary from wind which can harm the stems for example along a fence or divider. Sunflowers begin from the dry grassland areas of North America and are dry season safe once settled. Their simple to develop nature makes them ideal plants for developing with kids. Planting Sunflowers are most effortlessly developed by direct cultivating outside. In regions with a long developing season, they ought to be planted in pre-summer after all peril of ice and when the dirt has warmed through. Be that as it may, in regions with short developing seasons, the seeds can be planted up to 14 days before the last ice date as the plants are lenient to cold Prepare the dirt for planting by burrowing to relax the dirt and separate any huge bunches. Sow seeds 2.5–5.0 cm (1–2 in) profound and space them 10–15 cm (3–4 in) separated. In the case of planting in columns, permit 0.75 m (~30) in the middle of every one. A utilization of a reasonable manure at planting advances the improvement of a solid root framework. The seeds should grow in 7–10 days. At the point when the seedlings are around 15 cm (6 in) tall with two sets of genuine leaves, slender the plants to a last inside column dividing of 60 cm (2 ft). Plant more seeds each 2–3 weeks for a constant sprout over the mid year. General consideration Although sunflowers are dry season safe, incessant, profound watering advances the improvement of a solid root framework. The plants don't need preparing, without a doubt, expansion of nitrogen advances vegetative development and will postpone blooming. The stems of the plants can undoubtedly reach in overabundance of 1.8 m (6 ft) in tallness and will profit with some help. Bamboo stakes function admirably. Reaping Sunflowers are prepared to gather when the rear of the blossoms start to become yellow and the bloom head hangs. Cut the stem around 5 cm (2 in) underneath the head and hang up to dry in a warm, very much ventilated spot for half a month. At the point when the heads are completely dried, eliminate the seeds with a brush or by hand. Permit the seeds to dry out for a further barely any prior days putting away.

Environment

Helianthus began in the Americas, where Native Americans developed it for quite a long time as a wellspring of food. In accordance with its unique natural surroundings, it requires hot and dry conditions to flourish.

Accessibility

Sunflower seeds ought to be planted in ripe, clammy, very much depleted soil that contains substantial mulch. They need full sun to develop appropriately and foster best in summer. They flourish when filled in huge groups, as they conceal the ground and keep the roots cool and the ground soggy for more. These gatherings bear the cost of insurance from the breeze and can assist with supporting one another.

SPECIES

The sunflower has a place with the Asteraceae family, or Asters. There are 38 North American types of sunflower, some shifting from the conventional yellow. Through hybridisation, there are presently tan, orange, burgundy or striped petals assortments accessible also. Bi-hued ones, for example, the Prado Red have ruddy earthy colored petals with yellow lining. 

The Giant Sunflower by and large develops to around three meters. As of late, low-dust species have been created which help asthma victims.

CARE TIPS

Sunflowers are for the most part tough plants and can withstand short dry or wet spells. It's significant that they are not overwatered, as this extricates the dirt to the point that they can't uphold the heaviness of the enormous blossoms heads. 

Seedlings should be shielded from snails until they are around ten centimeters high. Tall plants can be settled by binds singular plants to supporting sticks.