Sunflowers

Sunflowers are said to be a symbol of adoration, loyalty, and longevity. Their bright yellow color is a sign of happiness, friendship, and intelligence. Much like the sun, sunflowers mirror vibrancy and give off an energy of life. National Sunflower Day reminds us to show our inner sunshine, while taking the opportunity to share one of the earth’s most beautiful flowers.

Historically, sunflowers have been around since about 1000 BC. Native Americans used sunflowers as a valuable food source, oil, paint, textile, and during ceremonies. Interestingly, some archaeologists believe sunflowers may have been cultivated before corn. Today, sunflowers are still being used as a source of food, oils, and beauty treatments

1. Cooking oil

2. Sunflower seeds

3. Salad mixes

4. Tea

5. Medicinal purposes

6. Skin care

7. Crafts

With the average height of a sunflower being five to six feet tall, a sunflower head can grow bigger than an human head. As the weight of the sunflower head becomes heavy, it begins to fall forward causing the petals to fall off. Shortly after the petals fall off, harvest begins on the sunflower. On average, one sunflower can produce up to 2,000 sunflower seeds per head!

Sunny Days

Sunflowers are a unique flower. Though many flowers are known to look for the sun for nutrients, the size of the sunflower presents an opportunity to visually see how it follows the sun movements throughout the day. During early mornings, sunflowers can be seen sort of in a sleep position slightly bent downwards. However, as the sun begins to shine, they slowly find the bright sun to face their growing day. Interestingly, the sunflower tends to face east, avoiding the hot sun. Scientists assume it is a natural defense of the sunflower to avoid the hot sun. Sunflower enthusiasts assume their perfect flower is not only the happiest flower, but also the most intelligent, too.