Floristan

Remarkably cheery, sunflowers are easy growers with prolific blooms, perfect for the child or beginning gardener. Breeding advances have resulted in sunflowers suitable for virtually any growing condition, whether you want pint-size plants for containers or giants for the back of the border. They also come in a full range of yellows, oranges, and russets; there are even ivory and bicolor varieties. While some sunflowers are perennials, the types of sunflowers with large seed heads or those that hit fantastic heights - 8 feet or more - are annuals. All sunflowers like full sun and bloom best in areas with hot summers. Start the seeds outdoors when all danger of frost has passed, lightly cover with fine soil or vermiculite, and water well. Seeds will germinate in 5-15 days, depending on the cultivar. Thin plants to 2 or 3 feet apart (or as appropriate for the height and spread of the variety); since sunflowers are sturdy plants, only the tallest varieties require staking. Once established, most sunflowers tolerate drought well. All varieties of sunflowers produce enough blooms for the table, and the blossoms last a long time in arrangements. Birds find seed-prolific sunflowers positively magnetic, and no bird lover's haven should be without them. Let a few blossoms go to seed at the end of the season, and you'll likely have new seedlings the following year, though they might not grow true to the cultivar. Sunflower seeds are available at local garden centers, drugstores, and grocery stores, and from nearly every mail-order seed company.

Soraya

Heliotropism is the involuntary response of a plant to the sun. Sunflowers are classic examples of heliotropism (as are moss roses, which close in the absence of bright sun). Sunflower blooms physically turn to directly face the sun, reorienting overnight to await the sunrise.