Sunflower Prado Yellow - Helianthus annuus

Helianthus annuus 'Prado Yellow', or Garden Sunflower, is an annual variety of medium size that has the advantage of naturally producing multiple stems per plant if the first true bud is pinched. All these short and sturdy stems bear equally beautiful sunflowers with a large brown centre surrounded by a dense collar of golden yellow. This fast-growing annual plant is very easy to sow and cultivate in all types of well-drained soils. It can be used as a background plant in flower beds or in the vegetable garden. Its flowers are perfect for bouquets.

Helianthus annuus is none other than the famous sunflower grown on a large scale for the oil extracted from its seeds. This large annual plant of the aster family has been domesticated by humans for a long time and has a controversial origin, but it is native to the American continent. The 'Prado Yellow' variety is a horticultural selection from the 'Prado' series, producing medium-sized plants that do not exceed 1.50m (5ft) in height and 35cm (14in) in diameter. They have an early flowering and can branch out into multiple floral stems when the first bud above the 5th bouquet of true leaves is pinched. 'Prado Yellow' produces magnificent inflorescences, with flower heads measuring 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) in diameter, in a bright yellow colour with a dark brown centre. Its flowering period extends from July to September. Under optimal conditions, it takes 12 weeks from sowing to the start of flowering. The floral stems are very strong and well-branched, with one floral stem at each node, making this variety ideal for the production of cut flowers and oil-rich seeds. The foliage consists of leaves that are medium green in colour, single, cordate (heart-shaped), alternate, and sometimes opposite at the base. They are attached to the stem by a more or less long petiole and are rough to the touch.

Its ease of cultivation, large seeds that are easy to germinate, and reasonable size make it very popular with children who are getting started with gardening. The 'Prado Yellow' Sunflower is particularly suitable for ornamental flower beds, as well as for decorating chicken coops and vegetable gardens where it will attract many beneficial animals for gardeners. It only requires sun and soil that is not too dry to flourish effortlessly. It has a rustic appearance and as such, it will blend well in slightly wild areas of the garden, alongside Cosmos, sainfoin, perennial sweet peas, large Scabious, Gaillardias, Japanese anemones, and trailing Lantana.

Before flowering, the plant optimizes its growth by following the course of the sun. This phenomenon, called heliotropism, has given rise to some of its common names: Héliotrope, Tournesol, Sunflower, and Garden Sunflower.

Sunflower in the kitchen:

The buds, petals, and seeds are edible. Add a few petals to a green salad for colour contrast and their nutty flavour. The green buds can be blanched and then sautéed in garlic butter. Their flavor is similar to that of Jerusalem artichokes. The flesh of the seed can be consumed raw or roasted.

An ecological asset:
Throughout summer, the honey-rich flowers of Sunflowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. This is a good way to improve the ecosystem of your garden and promote the production of fruits and vegetables in your vegetable garden.
The oil-rich seeds are particularly appreciated by birds (Parrots, Tits, etc.). At the end of flowering, harvest them to make some happy during the winter scarcity.