Sunflower Van Gogh Mix F1 seeds - Helianthus annuus

The 'Van Gogh' Sunflower Mix provides flowers that are very diverse in terms of colours and shapes without having to buy several different packets. The tall plants offer single, semi-double or double flowers, showcasing all types and colours that can be found in Helianthus annuus. The colour range is exceptional, including cream yellow, lemon yellow, burgundy, orange, gold, bronze, and red. Easy to grow in full sun in any well-drained soil, these sunflowers attract butterflies and birds to the garden.

Helianthus annuus is none other than the famous sunflower cultivated on a large scale for the oil extracted from its seeds. This large annual plant from the Asteraceae family, domesticated by humans for a long time, has a controversial origin, but it is noted to be native to the American continent.

The 'Van Gogh Mix' F1 hybrid variety is a recent horticultural selection. It produces plants ranging in height from 1.5 to 2.1 m. The large flowers are single or double, measuring between 12 and 25 cm in diameter. Blooming from June to September, it showcases a palette of warm and bright colours, ranging from cream yellow to lemon yellow and orange, as well as deep shades of red and burgundy. The plants are vigorous and bushy. Each main stem produces numerous lateral branches, each carrying an inflorescence. Under optimal conditions, there is a 12-week period between sowing and the start of flowering. The foliage consists of medium green, simple, cordate (heart-shaped), alternate leaves, sometimes opposite at the base. They are attached to the stem by a long or short petiole and feel rough to the touch. The flowers are loved by pollinating insects and are followed by seeds that are eaten by birds and some small mammals.

The 'Van Gogh Mix' Sunflowers thrive in a large bed, in sunny and well-drained, not too dry soil. Their tall stature is good for planting towards the back of a flower bed, but they can also be used to create a seasonal hedge. Easy to sow and grow, ideal for introducing children to gardening. Although annual, it is a structural plant, at home in countryside gardens or wilder areas of the garden. You can pair it with tall grasses like Miscanthus sinensis 'Red Chief', giant thistle Eryngium giganteum 'Miss Willmott's Ghost', and Verbena bonariensis, for example. Create beautiful bouquets for the home with the diverse blooms of this sunflower.

Before blooming, the plant optimises its growth by following the sun's path. 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. Green buds can be blanched, then sautéed in garlic butter. Their flavour is similar to that of Jerusalem artichokes. The seed kernel can be eaten raw or roasted.

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