Sunflowers aren't just fantastic pollinators, bringing beautiful blooms to your patch, they hold deep historical significance! Mitch explains why he loves these fiery flowers and gives advice for however you'd like to harvest them.  

‍

What would you like from your Sunflowers? Do you want a multiheaded variety for long-lasting blooms that encourage wildlife to visit your allotment? Perhaps this season you'd like them for fabulous bouquets & gifts. Will you try an edible sunflower?

‍

If you're looking for cut flowers, Mitch recommends the F1 variety Pro Cut that won’t droop once cut! But also has a top tip for other types of Sunflower.

‍

If you're growing edible Sunflowers, you can try eating the seeds or making oils. Why not try cutting the whole head and having it as a barbequed 'Sunflower steak'!? Though you may be contending with local wildlife... when seeds are just about to mature, get to them before the birds eat them up!

‍

There are plenty of beautiful ornamental Sunflowers to grow in your patch. Mitch's all-time favourite is the Hopi Black, which was traditionally used by the Native Americans, to make dyes for fabrics & spiritual rituals.

‍