By Scout Nelson
Sunflowers are more than just bright, cheerful plants—they are one of the most versatile additions to any garden. Known for their beauty and usefulness, sunflowers provide food, shelter, and long-lasting benefits to both people and nature.
One popular variety, the Mammoth Grey Striped sunflower, can grow up to ten feet tall with a flower reaching nearly 14 inches wide. These heirloom plants produce one large bloom per stalk and are a striking sight in any backyard or field. During the growing season, young sunflowers follow the sun across the sky, a process called heliotropism. As they mature, they face east to absorb morning sunlight, creating a warm resting place for bumblebees.
Sunflowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects like lady beetles and soldier beetles that help control garden pests. Once the season ends, gardeners can harvest the large flower heads for seeds, which are rich in oil and perfect for roasting or feeding birds during the winter when food is scarce.
Beyond beauty and wildlife benefits, sunflowers also help the soil. With their deep taproots, they improve soil structure and reduce compaction, making them great for crop rotation or as a cover crop. The strong, thick stalks can be dried and reused as trellises for climbing plants like tomatoes, peas, and cucumbers or added to compost piles for enrichment.
Native to North Dakota and most of the continental United States, sunflowers thrive in various climates and continue to be a symbol of summer abundance. Whether for beauty, soil improvement, or wildlife support, growing sunflowers adds both purpose and joy to any garden.
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Rural Lifestyle