Sunflowers

Sunflowers

By Julie Niehoff

Sunflowers make a good fodder for poultry and livestock, dyes come from the petals, and paper

can be made from the stalk pith. Its seeds and seed meal feed countless people, animals, and birds;

sunflower seed-oil is used in cooking and in soaps and cosmetics. In the garden, you can grow sunflowers

as windbreaks, privacy screens, or living bean poles. (Organic Gardening 2013)

*They love full sun.

*A variety of soil types are perfectly acceptable to this plant. * While drought resistant; they will do better if regularly watered.Harvest as soon as seeds start to turn brown or the backs of the seed heads turn yellow.

The heads usually droop at this time. Cut them along with 2' of stem and hand upside down

in a dry, well-ventilated place, such as a garage or attic, until fully dry; store in plastic bags for

birds and animal food. To eat, soak overnight in water (or strong salt water, if a salty flavor is desired),

drain, spread on a shallow baking sheet, and roast for 3 hours at 200°F or until crisp. (Organic Gardening)