Roasted sunflower seeds are a favorite snack of both humans and the critters that live in and around our gardens! Sunflower seeds are sometimes used as an alternative to nuts and sunflower butter is a popular substitute for peanut butter in kids’ lunches.
- Fauna attracted to Sunflowers
- Diseases common with Sunflowers
- Plant Origin
- Central America
- Nutrition
- Vitamins: E, Niacin, Folate Minerals: magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium Other: fiber
- Family
- Aster (daisy) Family
- Sun
- Full sun (it's in the name!)
- Water
- Spray or drip irrigation. Shouldn't get too set.
- Spacing
- Interplant with winter squash and pumpkins, about 1 foot from mounds
- Depth
- 1/4 - 1/2" deep
- Notes
- Thin to 1 plant every 12"
- When to harvest
- Save for student harvest.
- Harvesting Tips
- May need to cover heads to protect from birds and squirrels. Cut heads and allow seeds to dry before removing.