Helianthus annuus, the Sunflower and last days of summer

Labor Day marks the last days of summer in the U.S. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of summer-like weather if you live on the West Coast – but we can still dream of cooler days…

The hotel Mickey Mouse statue casts a whimsical shadow of my childhood love, Mickey!

August went by in a blink of an eye. I’m another year older and not necessarily the wiser {wink}! I enjoyed a quiet celebration with Hubbs at the Happiest Place on Earth (see my Instagram) and embraced a new year and thankfulness for life with a childhood and longtime loves, both my Husband and Mickey, of course!

Putting healthful eating on hold for part of the day, we enjoyed some exquisite pommes frites at Cafe Orleans, paired with the infamous Monte Cristo Sandwich! GOODNESS. Talk about wicked and good, it’s the sort of indulgence you should only enjoy once in your life. While good, it was a bit greasy and I can’t believe there’s anything good it can do for your well being. Later that evening, we enjoyed a birthday dinner at the Blue Bayou Restaurant (the restaurant you see when you’re leaving the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction). It was very, very good!

Later that birthday week, I enjoyed the loveliest surprise that truly cannot be matched in terms of quality and selflessness, days of girl-time, laughter and Starbucks with my baby sister…plucked from Colorado and all to myself! We got her all caught up with Outlander: Season One, Volume 1 (oh yes, we’re HOOKED!), and so looking forward to Season One – Volume Two at the end of the month (as I don’t subscribe to STARZ).

Helianthus annuus – Sunflowers

One of my favorite flowers include the Helianthus annus or Sunflowers. Although they are not fragrant, I love their strong stalks and happy faces. They seem to smile at you as you join them in a room or space and just exude happiness. I received a surprise delivery on my doorstep this past Friday of this beautiful bouquet of happy, bright and cheery sunflowers from my sis. XOXO, Sis!

NOTE: When using any type of seeds for an edible garden, make sure they are organic and have been harvested for consumption. The flowers you purchase at your florist/produce/retailers are most likely not grown with edibility in mind UNLESS it states it so, so their seeds should not be used in that way either.

Although I haven’t started my own sunflower plantings (the seeds are still sitting in their seed packets), I’ve read that besides the obvious beauty and happy colors it can bring to your edible garden it also attracts beneficial creatures (and some not so beneficial, like squirrels!). They can attract ladybugs, bees and other friends of the garden that act as pollinators and offer shade to plants that could use it. Additionally, they can offer support to your garden’s vine plantings, used as temporary screens and make colorful borders.

Sunflower microgreens? Yes. I’ve been reading up on sprouting and microgreens and have discovered that sunflowers offer beneficial health benefits, especially in the form of sprouts and microgreens. This will be next on my long list of things to try…about seven days after planting you can enjoy sunflower microgreens which is not only healthful but more kind to your pocketbook by planting your own.

• Sunflower seeds make nutritious and tasty sprouts. Remove the shells, place a cup of seeds in a sprouting tray or jar and cover with 4x the volume of water. Soak overnight and remove any seeds that float to the top (Note: Follow proper handling procedures when growing sprouts/microgreens).
• Sunflower greens are a balanced form of complete plant protein, offering essential amino acids that help repair muscle tissue.
• Full of folate/folic acid, B complex and nutrients.
• Read more here – 11 Reasons to Grow & Eat Sunflower Greens

ήλιος ανθός – Hēlios anthos – Sunflowers

A symbol of longevity, loyalty, and adoration, the sunflower brings instant life, happiness and sunshine to a room.

Use room temperature water and if using floral foam, make sure its fully saturated and sinks to the bottom before using for the thirsty sunflowers. Slant cut the stems, the shorter the stem the more water will feed the bloom. Remove any leaves that are below the water line as they will mold and mildew quickly. Keep water fresh, especially if it turns cloudy and keep an eye on the water level because sunflowers are thirsty flowers. Also, make sure that your vase or container can hold the flowers as they are tall and heavy and can make an arrangement top-heavy if you’re not careful (and speaking from experience)!

Sunflowers used for flower arrangements should have the stems placed in hot water to draw out air and allow water to reach the flower-head and keep it fresh looking (or so I’ve read!).

• The genus Helianthus or common sunflower is grown as a crop for both its oil and fruits (sunflower seeds!).
• Some varieties can reach heights of 9.8 feet.
• The outer flower, or the petals are called ray flowers.
• During the bud stage before the flower head is visible, the buds are heliotropic (movement toward or away from sunlight), synchronized by the sun. Once the flower opens into the radiance of yellow petals, it faces east.
• The sunflower is used as a symbol of green ideology and used by the Vegan Society.
• It is the national flower of Ukraine and the state flower of Kansas.
• Viewed as a symbol of the sun, they were worshipped by the Incas.
• There are 160 calories in an ounce of sunflower kernels.
• The Dakotas, Minnesota, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Texas and California are major producers of sunflowers in our country.
• A favorite subject of Van Gogh and Picasso, the sunflower has human-like characteristics and dimensions. The face of a blooming sunflower seemingly communicate with you!

For more information about the beautiful sunflower visit:

• The National Sunflower Association.
• About Sunflowers
• 11 Reasons to Grow & Eat Sunflower Greens.

Enjoy your Labor Day holiday!

-xo Cristina