Sunflower Astra Rose seeds - Helianthus annuus

The tall double sunflower 'Astra Rose' is an original variety of annual Helianthus. Its semi-double flowers, held high, are composed of numerous light pink outer petals around a chocolate brown heart encircled by small fringed yellow petals. The inflorescences start in an antique vanilla shade and turn into light pink-apricot as they age. The plant is more suited for the garden than for vases, it is well-branched and produces dozens of flowers per plant. Although annual, this plant adds structure at the back of a rustic bed. Easy to sow and grow in the sun, in all types of well-drained soil. Use it in the ornamental garden as well as in the vegetable garden.

'Helianthus annuus' is none other than the famous sunflower grown on a large scale for the oil extracted from its seeds. This tall annual plant of the Asteraceae family, domesticated by humans for a long time, has a controversial origin, but it is known to be native to the American continent. The 'Astra Rose' variety is a Polish horticultural selection, with stems naturally branching without the need for pinching. The vigorous and bushy plants reach a height of 1.20 m within 3 months. Each main stem produces many lateral branches, carrying flowers. Flowering occurs from June to September-October. In the best conditions, there are 12 weeks between sowing and the start of flowering. The foliage consists of medium green, simple, cordate (heart-shaped) leaves, alternate, sometimes opposite at the base. They are attached to the stem by a long or short petiole and are rough to the touch. Loved by pollinating insects, the flowering gives way to seeds that are eaten by birds and some small mammals.

The 'Astra Rose' Sunflower thrives in borders, in the middle or at the back, in sunny and well-drained, not too dry soil. In the vegetable garden, it brings its ornamental qualities and possibly a little shade. It is easy to sow and grow, ideal for introducing children to gardening. Although annual, it is a structuring plant, comfortable in rural gardens or wilder areas of the garden, alongside grasses, thistles, ornamental garlics and gaillardias, for example.

Before flowering, the plant optimises its growth by following the path of the sun. This phenomenon, called heliotropism, has given rise to some of its common names: Heliotrope, Sunflower, Garden Sun.

Sunflower in the kitchen: The buds, petals, and seeds are edible. Add some petals to a green salad for colour contrast and their nutty flavour. The green buds can be blanched, then sautéed in garlic butter. Their flavour is then similar to Jerusalem artichokes. The seed kernel can be eaten raw or roasted.

An ecological asset: Throughout the summer, the honey-producing flowers of Sunflowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. A good way to improve the ecosystem and promote fruit and vegetable production. 
The oil-rich seeds are particularly appreciated by birds (Parrots, Tits, Doves, Goldfinches, Siskins, Nuthatches, Finches ...). At the end of flowering, harvest them for the winter food shortage.