Sunflowers are meant for oil production; however because of their large showy flowers, some florists have used them in floral arrangements with a great level of success.
Landscapists have used them in gardens by accurately planning their display in the landscape; tall varieties are planted at the back of a bed for a striking effect, those of medium height in the middle while short growing sunflower hybrids, at the front.
Different varieties of sunflowers often grow to different heights. This makes the planning of a floral display quite difficult, however plant breeders have been able to develop varieties that are; either tall, medium or dwarf.
Most Sunflowers varieties are single stemmed; but some are multi-stemmed, meaning that, they produce many flowers off the main stem. Combining these two varieties ensures an interesting balance is struck.
Balance is an attribute in floral or landscape design indicating a feeling of rest, security or stability. For example, a floral arrangement should not fall over or appear as if it will fall over; the same applies in a landscape where different plants are placed differently to achieve visual balance.
Not all sunflowers are of the same color; some are yellow, others are yellow containing a mixture an exciting terracotta lemon color, , others have an interesting yellow, with a red tinge on the inside of the petal.
Sunflowers are simple to grow, never plant the seeds deeper than twice their width, firm the soil down after planting. Some plants will flower within 50 days while others take longer; about 120 days.
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