Kitchen Garden Forum

Does anyone grow sunflowers for cutting/seeds?

I planted a row (about 30) this year, but then whilst I've cut them, I cant let the seeds develop to eat. Is there a particular strain for seed production, and likewise a good variety for cut flowers, I've had such a hotchpotch of sizes and heights, I'd like more uniformity.

Mandy

Hi Mandy

I was reading about a sunflower that's good for the border because it doesn't grow too tall and it branches a lot. I think it was called Valentine. I'll check later and let you know.

I believe if you want to get seeds to eat, you need to a) grow the right variety (usually giant ones - I think) and b) somehow protect them from the birds (don't know if simply netting them will do the trick). I also seem to remember that there is a process involved of steeming(?) and drying (and then shelling of course) to make them suitable for eating. Maybe this is to rid them of insects etc. Never tried it myself. In fact this is the first year I've managed to get my sunflowers fully grown. Last year the slugs demolished every single one. However this year I have 5 giant sunflowers taller than myself.

Tara

I've checked and the variety is Valentine. It says it grows to 6ft and has a branching habit. It has pale yellow flowers and a dark disk - looks lovely in the picture. Christopher Lloyd said it has great staying power and is the best he's grown.
There's a also a perennial sunflower called Helianthus Lemon Queen.
Sorry I can't help you with the sunflower seed question.

thanks, I will definately try 'valentine'its the name of my rabbit so I shalnt forget (gave up growing sunflowers in the garden as he was so partial to them).Shall do a google for the seeds treatment, it was giant ones I grew this year and i have quite a few heads going over now that were too big for cutting.

mandy

Hi Mandy,Tara and Jenny,
Moles Catalogue has quite interesting array of
Sunflowers and whereas I do not think you would need them in the quantities that deal in it will give you a good idea as to what varieties are available.
The Advice given on the Prado Series is interesting.
www.molesseeds.co.uk
In particular view pages 159, 160 and 161.
In the index it says Sweet Peas for 161 but Sunflowers continue over.
You are correct in saying that the 'Giant Sunflower' is the one to produce seeds for culinary purposes.
Hope this is of assistance.

I grow Harlequin for cutting, it has the advantage of being pollen free so you dont get any pollen dropping onto the furniture:



I have about 8 plants on the go and they will give 15 to 20 heads each and they last ages in the vase.

Jerry

They look lovely Jerry; how tall does that variety grow, and how so you stop the snails devastating them? I rarely succeed with Sunflowers because of the slimeys!

Deb P wrote:They look lovely Jerry; how tall does that variety grow, and how so you stop the snails devastating them? I rarely succeed with Sunflowers because of the slimeys!

They get to about 5' tall. I start them off in pots inside and then transplant when big enough to hold their own, I do always loose one or two though.

Jerry

We are growing Starburst Lemon for cutting this year. 120cms in the catalogue that is about what we've got. Not cut any yet only got the centre flowers out like on the left but side shoots are coming. I think they are pretty flowers even if they don't cut.