By: PinkPenguin

As summer is here now, I thought I would start something a little different for my blogs, and pick a plant or a flower weather it be one I know or don’t know, go over the benefits, and everything I can find out about this particular plant. So, for Week 1 today’s Spotlight one of my FAVORITE FLOWERS! The Sunflower! Not only are they fantastic summer flowers, they also hold a special meaning. According to Native American tradition, sunflowers symbolize happiness, adoration, loyalty, longevity, and good luck.

Sunflowers are an ancient crop originating from North America in 1,000 BC. These flowers are recognized for their delightful petals, also known as ‘rays’, portraying the image of the sun itself. “Sunflower seeds were an important food crop to Native Americans, as they would grind the seeds into meals – for making bread or eaten as porridge. They would squeeze the seeds for the oil, which they would then use on their hair and skin, or use the hulls of the seed to create dye for clothing and war paint.”

GREEK MYTHOLOGY: the Legend behind the sunflower.

Legend has it, in Greek mythology, a maiden fell in love with Apollo. She would stand in her garden and stare at Apollo as he passed in his “fiery sun chariot”, but Apollo did not like people on Earth looking at him, and he grew tired of the girl. One day, he decided to throw an arrow at her, turning her into a sunflower, but even now she faces East as the sun rises and West as it descends, still following Apollo’s path.

How to Grow:

For this section I had to look up the best way to grow sunflowers as I have not planted mine yet. Sunflowers are one of the easiest flowers you can grow from a seed. Plant the seeds in moist well-drained soil, 1 inch deep and 1.5 inches apart from one another. With adequate sun and moisture, they are fast growers, with seedlings emerging in a week to a week and a half.

Keep in mind:

As sunflowers grow very fast, if the conditions are right, they can grow between 8-12ft tall in six months. Sunflowers develop best in summer, according to the amount of sun they get per day. Typically, you will find this flower in yellow, but some other varieties can be found in orange and red. Sunflowers are great choices for weddings as they fill a room with sunny charm and happiness, but they are also a perfect choice for bridal bouquets as it symbolizes good luck.

Sunflowers are by far one of the best flowers in my opinion and I can’t wait to get mine planted and growing. I am also using it as my wedding bouquet and flowers. Always look towards the sun! To everyone today, be like a sunflower, Stand Tall! Anyone in the shadow pack discord what flower/ garden item should I research next? send me a DM for ideas and until next time. that’s all from the Garden @ The Penguin Den!