We had to cut down a few more trees on the Western side of our property and I was looking for something to plant while we do some research into fruit bearing trees in our zone.
My kids suggested Sunflowers.
I thought .. well those always face South so we will never see them, but then I discovered that although the plants track the sun from East to South to West when they are young .. the mature flowers only face East.
This is perfect for us since the area is along the west and the flowers will face back towards us in the garden.
So.
Sunflowers it is ….
Scientists have answered a burning question central to the charm of sunflowers: Why do young flowers move their blooms to always face the sun over the course of a day.
Once sunflowers reach maturity, they stop tracking the sun and only face east.
These will also attract the bees which will help pollinate our fruit trees and vegetables.
I found some Ukrainian Sunflower seeds. Will plant some of these …
Sunflower Helianthus Sun Flower annuus Seeds from Ukraine 1.5 Gram
It looks like they are pretty easy to grow …. https://www.theobserver.ca/opinion/columnists/sunflowers-are-incredibly-easy-to-grow
Source: https://amzn.to/3OAEbEQ
Ask Mr. R2cornell, he has a sunflower plantation.
Awesome. I did not know that. I wish he could post photos from his plantation.
Sunflowers are very easy to grow. If you have wildlife, such as deer, they love the tender shoots when they are early in their growth . I grow sunflower shoots in trays indoors during the winter and if eaten early (the plant) they taste like raw sunflower seeds. After raising this as microgreens I understood why the deer loved them so much.
I was aware they followed the sun, but when mature they stop following the sun, but I never noticed they faced a particular direction. The bees love them and great for pollenating. When the seeds are approaching maturity I have flocks of goldfinches come in and get their share.
Thanks for the link to Ukrainian sunflowers. I ordered a couple of packages to include with mine. I grow multiple colored sunflowers, and save some of the seed for the next years planting. I have different varieties that have crossed over the years.
I do not publish on any of the platforms anymore, but have had sunflower photos in many of my publications. Someday I may get back to posting, but for now there is no time. A google search of "r2cornell sunflowers" will bring up some of my photos. A search of "r2cornell photos" will bring up many of my flower I have posted on the various platforms.
The sight of a lone sunflower or rows of them can leave you in awe.
This sunflower was previously posted on hive.
My wife MediKatie grows them every year, but I don't think she knows that they face the sun. She just puts them where there's room for them. This year they're along the front walkway, between our house and all the people walking past. They'll probably get stolen, hahah! People that steal plants, man, that's kind of grubby.
Sunflowers are very photogenic. Especially fields full of them. I guess that's because they all line up and face the camera.
Ha ha.. true. Is @medikatie on Blurt yet ? She should share photos of her garden with #blurtphoto #blurtlove #blurtgarden #blurtart and get some big upvotes.
And buy more seeds.
Plant a tree that bears fruit. So that someday the fruit can be eaten by our children and grandchildren.
We already have many apple trees. Thinking pear again….
it was so amazing. my pears like it. I hope you plant it soon.
We used to have 2 pears trees… they produced hundreds of pears every year for many years … then one day both trees got sick and died.
It was very sad.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Pear Tree Issues – Tips On Fixing Pear Tree Problems https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/fixing-pear-tree-problems.htm
Where I live Pear and Apple trees are hard to live.
those that are easy to live are like coconut trees, palm trees, and also durian trees, mango trees.
Pears and apples must be planted with great care, if the tree I mentioned grows well without the need for care.
thanks for the information regarding the pear tree.