As a symbol of their support for Ukraine, gardeners may consider adding sunflowers to their garden this year.

Ukraine and the Russian Federation are the largest producers of sunflower oil.

Sunflowers originated in the New World, first cultivated by Native Americans in the area that is now New Mexico and Arizona. Spanish explorers introduced sunflowers to Europe around 1500 AD.

Sunflower oil gained popularity in Ukraine and Russia in the mid-1700s when the Russian Orthodox Church banned lard, butter and olive oil during Lent.

Do sunflowers follow the sun? Yes and no.

Young sunflowers face east in the morning, move their heads westward during the day before turning to face east again overnight.

This movement, called heliotropism, is actually a result of the stems elongating on different sides at different times of day.

When the sunflower matures, the stem stiffens and the flowers will continually face east.

The sunflower’s main goal is to perpetuate itself by producing seeds. Facing east provides optimal warming of the flower head, which makes it more attractive to pollinators.

Sunflowers are an annual, best grown from seed planted outdoors after all danger of frost is past, typically in late spring, once the ground is nice and warm.

Since sunflowers are annuals, they are good plants to experiment within the garden without the cost, location considerations, or maintenance of perennials.

After an exceptionally mild winter, a few sunflowers have been known to re-seed from last year’s crop. Most sunflowers germinate when the soil has reached 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

The best time to plant sunflowers is just before the soil reaches this temperature. Look for a ground temp of between 60 to 70 degrees. Choose an area with well-drained soil and full sun: at least six hours per day.

Spacing is determined by the type of sunflower. Follow the planting guidelines on the seed packet. Choose a spot that is sheltered from wind. Even if they are grown in a sheltered location, you may have to stake very tall cultivars, especially as the heavy flower heads form. Supplemental water may be needed, especially around bloom time. They grow so quickly that there is little reason to start sunflowers indoors.

Here are categories of sunflower cultivars to consider:

Tall:

These varieties are usually described as growing to at least 6 feet, sometimes double that height. They are usually the best for harvesting seed, although birds will try to beat you to them. Tall cultivars include: Mammoth, Mongolian Giant and Black Oil Hybrid.

Branching:

These cultivars have many flowers on short branches that are still long enough to cut for bouquets. Pinching off new growth close to a leaf node will encourage their tendency to branch. Some of these varieties are bred to have little or no pollen, a plus when they are placed indoors in a vase. For your sunflowers to benefit the environment, look for cultivars that do bear pollen. Branching sunflowers with pollen include: Firecracker, Autumn Beauty and Valentine.

Unusual colors, forms:

The classic sunflower has yellow petals surrounding a dark brown disc. Cultivars are available in shades ranging from cream to mahogany, for example: Chianti (dark red), Soroya (orange), Ring of Fire (bicolored petals). The popular Teddy Bear sunflower looks like a shaggy yellow pompom-on-a-stick. Though a novel form, it is not beneficial to pollinators.

Dwarf:

Sunflowers are even hybridized to grow well in small spaces and containers. Look for Dwarf Sunspot, Elves Blend, Junior or Sunray Yellow.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Lehigh County Extension Office Staff and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613.