Sunflower Just a Flower or a Source of Food

Sunflower is genus of tall herbs that are often grown for their large showy flower heads with yellow ray flowers and for their oil-rich seeds. It is the most important oil crop in the world. The common are cultivated for its seeds, which provide edible oil and serve as livestock feed. Native to North America and domesticated for its nutritional value, it has a significant role in agriculture.

Sowing Methods of Sunflower

It can be sown from September to end of November. In non-traditional areas, it can be sown from January to February end in the spring season. Its seed do not require any treatment before sowing. There seeds can be sown directly into the garden or seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established. There are two methods of sowing:

Sow Direct

1. Sow seeds directly in the garden 10mm deep and 30 to 50 centimeters apart.
2. Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
3. Seeds should germinate in around 7 to 14 days at a soil temperature of 21-30°C.
4. Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets and weather until they are established.

Raise Seedlings

1. Fill trays, punnets or jiffy pots with a good quality seed-raising mix, or use soil starter pellets.
2. Sow seeds 10mm deep.
3. Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
4. Seeds should germinate in around 7-14 days at a soil temperature of 21-30°C.
5. Transplant seedlings to the garden once they have their first true leaves and are large enough to handle (usually 5-10cm tall).
6. Plant out, spacing plants 30-50cm apart.

Harvesting

Once the best died back completely and the backs of the blooms are brown, it’s time to harvest. You’ll also notice the seeds are plump and somewhat loose. Cut the stalk with sharp scissors or pruners, about one foot down from the flower head, and place in a container that can catch any loose seeds. here are several ways to harvest. One is simply cutting the heads off the plant, leaving a short length of stem attached to the flower.

Comparison Between Other Flowers

It is just a single bloom but each flowerhead is actually made up of up to two thousand florets. These tiny flowers are packed full of nectar, making them a great treat for bees as well. It is made up of many tiny flowers.

Uses as a Food

Overall 25% of all its seed production is used to produce birdseed. Ten-twenty percent of U.S. production is used in shelled kernels, whole seeds, and nut and fruit mixes containing its seed. Kernels are also used in processed foods, such as granola bars and breads. There seeds may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar as they contain vitamin E, magnesium, protein, linoleic fatty acids and several plant compounds. It has been used as a source of vegetable oil. Petals, Leaves, Stalks and greens can be used in the salad.

Food for Cattle

Sunflower meals are one of the major protein sources in livestock feed, especially dairy cattle, chickens and rabbits. It has a high protein, fiber and oil content. It has a protein content of between 29- 30% and a crude fiber content of 27-31% and lignin (9-12%) and lysine (3.5%). The leaves are used as fodder, the flowers yield a yellow dye, and the seeds contain oil and are used for food.

Medicine Prospective

Medicinal uses of its seed can contribute to heart health. They contain phytosterols, compounds that can lower cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease. The existence of healthy fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, supports cardiovascular well-being.

Conclusion

Sunflower seeds are rich in nutrients and certain phytochemicals. It is equally beneficial for humans, cattle and birds. It is not only used for their food but also for also for their medicine. Therefore, its cultivation is widely being promoted. Like other flowers, It is not just a flower but a big source of food and medicine.

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