A sunflower story
August is just around the bend, and that means sunflower season! Bold and cheerful, sunflowers are a staple of the American flower repertoire, and it doesn’t appear that will change any time soon.
Far from trendy, the sunflower has been a cultural constant in the Americas since 1,000 B.C., when it was first cultivated as a food source. Few flowers have enjoyed such consistent popularity as a source of both food and beauty for so many centuries.
Sunflower seeds, oil, butter and shoots all make healthy additions to one’s diet. Our Market Produce department recently began carrying sunflower shoots, which add a tasty touch to salads.
I love the sunflower for its range of sizes and colors. From petite, one-inch heads to ones so giant they need heavy-duty staking, the sunflower is always full of surprises. Its many shades include: red, black, orange and many variations of yellow.
My children have always enjoyed sunflowers for the almost instant gratification of growing a huge plant without all the stress and constant care that other flowers demand. From time to time, we’ll even get a surprise sunflower that has sprouted from a fallen squirrel-feeder. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Have you ever heard of phototropism? It refers to the sunflower’s ability to turn its face to follow the sun’s movement across the sky. Throughout history, this trait has been the inspiration of myths and stories about loyalty, dependability and adoration.
Want to show someone you are a forever-faithful companion? Give a gift of fresh, local sunflowers, and watch the recipient’s face light up with warmth and happiness, just like the flower itself.
Sunflowers are at their peak right now. So visit your Market Floral, and pick up a bunch!