 Growing Gardens
with Julia Hancock
Sunny Side Up
Plants that grow easily from direct-sown seed are a boon to the drought-stricken gardener, as the problem of transplant shock is eliminated. Such a plant is the sunflower (Helianthus spp.) – a favourite with kids entranced by its massive flower heads and Jack-and-the-beanstalk-type growth. Florists, too, are enamoured by its easy charm.
If the idea of growing a monster in the back yard is too scary, try one of the modern medium (to 1.5m) or dwarf (to 1m) varieties. Nor do you have to stick to the plain bright yellow varieties, because today’s hybrids come in a range of burnished bronze, maroon, dark red, cream, rust and ochre flowers, some of which are bicoloured. And while the traditional sunflower produces a single head composed of a large central disk of ray florets surrounded by a whorl of showy petals, new strains have been developed to form pompom, semi-double, double, and crested blooms on many-stemmed bushes.
Obviously, sunflowers must be grown in full sun, but any soil will do providing it is enriched with compost. The seeds are large and easy to space – approximately 60cm between each plant will allow it to develop its full potential without being crowded. Sow to a depth of 6mm and cover the area with a very light scattering of dry grass clippings. Water well initially, and while the seedlings are breaking through the soil. Once established, sunflowers need very little maintenance and will flower for several weeks over summer.
Sunflowers are grown commercially in Australia for oil but in the home garden they are most valuable as a source of bird seed, as the kernels are composed of 36 per cent protein.
Although deadheading your sunflowers will stimulate more blooms, leaving the flower heads on to sun-ripen the seed will be very much appreciated by our feathered friends in these desperate times.
Lismore Garden
Club News
If you want any information relating to the Lismore Garden Club or if you have a question relating to gardens your contact person is Mary on 6621 5293.
What to plant now: Flowers – Alyssum, Aster, Amaranthus, Balsam, Bedding Begonia, Californian Poppy, Celosia, Chrysanthemum, Cleome, Cockscomb, Coleus, Dahlia, Gazania, Gerbera, Geranium, Gypsophila, Kangaroo Paw, Marigold, Nasturtium, Petunia, Phlox, Portulaca, Salvia, Sunflower, Swan River Daisy, Verbena, Zinnia. Vegies – Snake Beans, Cucumber, Herbs, Marrow, Pumpkin, Radish, Spring Onion, Squash, Sweet Corn, Tomato, Zucchini.
Jobs to do now: Buy a packet of sunflower seed and help the kids or grandkids to plant them (they are really hardy and heat tolerant). This will often germinate the kids interest in gardening and when the flowers come on it’s good to leave them to mature into seed heads. Our beautiful native parrots love them. You can attract birds like eastern rosellas, king parrots, galahs and lorikeets to your garden.
Tip of the week: If you want an effective non-toxic control for snails and insects in your garden, consider one or two muscovy ducks. You will need a duck proof fence around your yard as they tend to wander.
Happy gardening
Ron Burns
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