Many people may describe sunflowers as tall, yellow, and bright, but this classic sunflower species is the tallest and can grow up to 12 inches in width.
1. Vincent Van Gogh wasn’t the only sunflower painter
No matter if you have taken art classes or not, chances are that you know Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh is best known for his sunflower paintings, which changed the way people view a flower’s beauty. He influenced artists such as Diego Rivera and Alfred Gockel, as well as Paul Gauguin.
2. Apollo and Sunflowers are connected
Sunflowers have numerous meanings and symbols. They are based on the Greek mythology of Clytie (god of the sun) and Apollo (god of the moon). Apollo fell in love with Clytie and was soon struck by the beauty of Leucothoe, a princess from a king.
Clytie found Apollo and Leucothoe in the night and, out of jealousy, told Lecuothe her father. Leucothoe, at her father’s request, was then buried alive. Clytie was turned into a sunflower by Apollo out of grief. Talk about drama!
3. Sunflowers can be grown to a variety of heights
There are two types of sunflowers: dwarf and tall. Some sunflower plants can grow to two feet taller than others, contrary to popular belief.
Tall Sunflowers
The yellow, durable tall sunflower is generally yellow. These sunflowers can reach up to 12 to 16 feet in height, and sometimes even more depending on the circumstances. There are three types of tall sunflowers: Russian Mammoth, Sunforest Mix, and Skyscraper.
Dwarf Sunflowers
Dwarf sunflowers are often found in large clusters, and they love to be surrounded by small pots and gardens. Dwarf sunflowers don’t grow higher than 3 feet.
4. Sunflowers are young and follow the sun
Fun fact about sunflowers: Young sunflowers can track the sun. Also known as heliotropism. Mature sunflowers face East because of two reasons.
Because they heat up quicker than plants facing westward, sunflowers attract five times more pollinators than other plants.
Sunflowers can be more productively warmed when they are facing East.
5. Sunflower oil has an anti-inflammatory effect
Sunflowers offer many other benefits than beauty. Sunflower oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Linoleic acid can be converted to arachidonic acids. Both are fatty acids that can reduce water loss and repair skin barriers.
6. Sunflower seed production can be divided into two types
You can sportily make fun of sunflower facts! Sunflowers are a favorite snack for baseball fans. When you bring your family to a baseball game, remember sunflowers for their crunchy, salty snack. There are two types of sunflower seeds: oilseeds and non-oilseeds.
7. Sunflowers are native to the United States
The sunflower plant is native to North America, and it is widely used for its seeds all over the globe. The University of Missouri journal has named North Dakota the top U.S. state in sunflower production.
8. There are thousands of tiny flowers that can create a sunflower’s head.
The sunflower’s head is made up of many tiny flowers. Each petal around a sunflower’s circumference is a flower. These colorful, long-lasting petals are called “ray florets”.
These sweet facts about sunflowers prove that they are more than just tall and yellow. Sunflowers are dynamic plants, whether it’s for their nutritional benefits, record-breaking height, or circadian rhythms.
You’ve now created your ideal sunflower, it may be time to bring them into your home. Take a look at the selection of sunflower arrangements at florist Potts Point to find the right arrangement for your kitchen, dining area, or bedroom.