Sunflower seeds

Sunflowers are the shining stars of the garden! These beautiful flowers are not only pleasing to the eye, as they are also very easy to look after. Another advantage: birds are delighted by these flowers. After all, birds love to eat the sunflower seeds. 

Sunflower seeds  

With sunflower seeds you grow your own beautiful sunflowers. With its large heart and radiant, yellow petals, the sunflower is an iconic flower. Sunflowers are also known for their enormous height, some can reach over two metres! Our sunflowers grow to around 130 cm tall. 

History of sunflowers  

The history of sunflowers is fascinating and dates back thousands of years. These beautiful flowers originated in North America, where they were cultivated by indigenous people. The natives used sunflowers not only as a food source, but also for spiritual and ceremonial purposes. In the 16th century, explorers brought the sunflower to Europe, where they soon became popular in gardens and parks. Sunflowers were a symbol of joy and optimism, adding to their popularity.  

Today, sunflowers are grown all over the world for various purposes. The oil extracted from the seeds is used for cooking and in cosmetics. In addition, sunflower seeds are often eaten as a healthy snack.Besides their practical uses, sunflowers are also loved for their beauty. 

Symbol of sunflower  

The symbol of the sunflower is multifaceted. For example, the sunflower is often associated with the sun because of its bright yellow colour and its ability to turn towards the light. In many cultures, the sun symbolises energy, vitality, growth, warmth and life. The sunflower can therefore be seen as a symbol of optimism, vitality and positivity.  

The sunflower has a unique characteristic: it rotates with the position of the sun during the day. This has led to the idea that the flower represents complete devotion to something or someone, as it is always looking for the light. Moreover, as the day progresses, the flower starts drooping down more and more, as if exhausted from all the hard work. This can be interpreted as a symbol of persistence and perseverance, even when conditions are difficult.  

In addition, the sunflower also represents happiness and success. In many countries, it is seen as a good luck charm and is often given as a gift on special occasions, such as birthdays or graduations. 

Growing a sunflower seed 

Growing sunflowers is relatively easy. They thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil. Plant them about 2 cm deep in the soil. The best time to plant them is after the last frost, when the soil warms up. This is usually around April-June, after which they bloom beautifully in August-October.   

Make sure you leave enough space between each plant, as they can grow quite large. Want to grow or propagate them earlier? With a seed tray, you can grow or propagate sunflower seeds before planting them out outdoors. 

The different varieties sunflower from seed 

At FAM Flower Farm, you will find two sunflowers: the helianthus orange sun and helianthus soluna lemon.   

The sunflower orange sun does not look like a sunflower at first glance. In fact, the flower is fluffy and has a warm yellow colour. Not having a large centre, these flowers are full of colour. You can enjoy this cuddly sunflower all summer long.   

The helianthus soluma lemon has a very different look to the orange sun. This sunflower looks a lot more like the classic sunflower. The big difference is in the colour: this sunflower is lemon yellow with a black centre. This makes the flowers stand out even more. And because these flowers do not grow very large, they are also ideal as cut flowers for a bouquet. 

Sunflower seed planting 

Make sure you water your young sunflowers regularly until they are firmly rooted. However, over-watering can be harmful, so make sure the soil is not left constantly wet.  

As the plant grows, it might need extra support to stay upright during strong winds or heavy rain. You can use bamboo sticks to gently secure the stems. 

Alternatives to sunflower seeds  

Although sunflowers are beautiful flowers that bring a cheerful atmosphere to any garden, there are other flower seeds worth considering as alternatives. If you are looking for some variety in your garden, plant cosmos, for example. This flower is a popular choice because of the many colours it comes in - yellow, white, red and pink. This plant attracts butterflies and gives your garden a romantic touch. Or how about the zinnia? These flower seeds are known for their longevity after they are cut and you can cut them down for a beautiful bouquet. 

Buy sunflower seeds at FAM Flower Farm  

Sunflowers are beautiful flowers that bring a cheerful and sunny atmosphere to any garden. With their beautiful fragrance, they brighten up any space. You buy sunflower seeds very easily at FAM Flower Farm. Want to stay up to date with the most beautiful flowers, such as dahlias, daffodils and tulips? Then follow us on Instagram @FAMFlowerFarm.