Sunflower Helianthus annuus 'Giraffe'
ABOUT
The 'Giraffe' variety of the sunflower is characterized by its striking appearance, typically bearing a large, daisy-like flower head with vibrant petals surrounding a prominent central disk. The petals are a rich yellow color, resembling the sunny hue that sunflowers are known for. The central disk, which houses the seeds, displays a chocolate-brown color that contrasts beautifully with the bright petals. The leaves of the sunflower 'Giraffe' are heart-shaped and somewhat rough to the touch, with a jagged or toothed edge, and they grow alternately along the stem. These leaves are a deep green shade, creating a lush backdrop for the spectacular flowers. The sunflower produces sturdy stems that are typically covered in rough, bristly hairs. The overall structure and arrangement of the sunflower 'Giraffe' give it a robust, full-bodied appearance that complements its signature blooms. Despite not addressing its dimensions, we can infer from the name and its natural characteristics that the sunflower 'Giraffe' has a presence that is as large as it is lively, commanding attention in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Giraffe Sunflower
Common names
Helianthus annuus.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Helianthus annuus 'Giraffe' is sunflower. Sunflowers are not toxic to humans, and their seeds are actually consumed as food. Therefore, there's no toxicity to worry about or any symptoms of poisoning from ingesting sunflowers, either the 'Giraffe' variety or any other variety, assuming they are free from pesticides and properly prepared.
To pets
The common name for Helianthus annuus 'Giraffe' is sunflower. Sunflowers are generally considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Ingesting parts of the sunflower plant typically should not cause any severe symptoms of poisoning. However, the seed shells could potentially cause a mild gastrointestinal upset or blockage if consumed in large quantities, so it's always a good practice to keep an eye on your pet and consult your veterinarian if you notice any unusual behavior after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2-11
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Giraffe' variety of Sunflower adds visual interest to gardens with its tall stems and large, showy flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction: Sunflowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Edible Seeds: Sunflowers produce seeds that are edible and can be used for snacks or in recipes.
- Wildlife Food Source: Birds, especially finches, are attracted to sunflower seeds, making these plants a natural choice for wildlife gardens.
- Soil Improvement: Sunflowers have deep roots that can help aerate the soil, and are also known to extract heavy metals, which can improve soil quality.
- Educational Interest: The 'Giraffe' Sunflower can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth, pollination, and the life cycle of plants.
- Crafting Material: Sunflower stems, heads, and seeds can be used in various crafts, such as flower arrangements or as natural bird feeders.
- Photography and Art: Their impressive height and prominent flowers make Sunflowers a favorite subject for photographers and artists.
- Shade Provider: The tall stature of the 'Giraffe' Sunflower can offer a natural shade to smaller plants or garden areas.
- Companion Planting: Sunflowers can be beneficial when planted near other crops as they can provide shade and support for climbing plants.
Medical Properties- Edible seeds: Sunflower seeds from the common sunflower are a source of nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium, which have antioxidant properties.
- Oil production: The oil derived from sunflower seeds is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which may benefit heart health by improving cholesterol levels.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: The compounds found in sunflower oil, such as linoleic acid, may possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Skin barrier enhancement: Sunflower oil can be used topically to help maintain the skin's barrier function and hydration.
- Wound healing: Sunflower oil has been studied for its potential role in speeding up the wound healing process when applied to the skin.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decomposed sunflower stalks can serve as a natural sponge in the garden due to their ability to retain moisture and slowly release it, which can benefit nearby plants.
- Sunflower seed shells, when ground into a fine powder, have been utilized in the production of biodegradable plastics as a sustainable material.
- The hulls of sunflower seeds can be used as an abrasive in industrial cleaners, helping to scrub away tough grease and grime without harsh chemicals.
- Sunflower stems have a fibrous quality that can be utilized in the creation of paper and can contribute to reducing the demand for wood pulp.
- Dried sunflower stems can also be processed to create a low-density board material, which is useful for creating disposable pallets or packing material.
- The vibrant and large sunflower head can be used for bird feeders in its natural form, attracting and feeding a variety of birds.
- The pattern of seeds in a sunflower head, which follows the Fibonacci sequence, is sometimes used as a teaching tool in mathematics and botany education.
- Sunflower petals have been traditionally used in dyes and pigments to create shades of yellow and orange, often for fabric coloring.
- The residual ash of burned sunflower stalks can be rich in potassium and phosphorous, serving as a potash fertilizer for gardens.
- Sunflower oil, while commonly used in cooking, can also be used as a lubricant for fine machinery due to its low viscosity and non-toxicity.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sunflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sunflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adoration and Loyalty: The common name for Helianthus annuus is Sunflower, which moves to follow the sun across the sky, symbolizing adoration and the loyalty that exists by always turning to face what you love.
- Longevity: Sunflowers are known for their hardiness and ability to withstand harsh conditions, making them a symbol of long-lasting life and durability.
- Positivity and Strength: With its bright yellow petals that resemble the sun, the Sunflower stands for the warmth and happiness associated with the sunshine, as well as the strength it provides for growth and vitality.
- Fertility and Bounty: Sunflowers produce an abundance of seeds, symbolizing fertility and the idea of being prolific or bountiful in life.
- Seeking Truth and Guidance: As the Sunflower turns towards the light, it symbolizes the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and the desire to seek out guidance and truth.
WaterThe common sunflower (Helianthus annuus 'Giraffe') requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the sunflower deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant to encourage deep root development. During hot, dry periods, you might need to water twice a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. When watering, aim for the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the sunflower's seedling stage, you may need to water more frequently, but be careful not to overwater and drown the fragile roots.
LightSunflowers, including the 'Giraffe' variety, thrive in full sun exposure. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to develop strong stems and large blooms. A spot that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day is ideal for growing healthy sunflowers. Ensure that the plants are not shaded by buildings or other tall plants to avoid competition for light.
TemperatureSunflowers favor warm conditions and grow best when temperatures are between 70 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a range of temperatures, but frost can be detrimental to their growth. The minimum temperature for sunflowers should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold weather can hinder their development. Sunflowers prefer a climate where daytime temperatures are warm, and the nights are not overly cool.
PruningPruning is typically not necessary for sunflowers, like the 'Giraffe' variety, as they are annual plants and only live for one growing season. However, deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done to encourage additional blooming and prevent the plant from using energy to produce seeds. The best time to prune or deadhead sunflowers is after the flower petals begin to wilt and before seeds have fully formed, usually in late summer or early fall.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Sunflower 'Giraffe' is well-draining, nutrient-rich loam with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. To create a suitable mix, combine equal parts of compost, peat moss or coconut coir, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure good aeration and moisture retention.
RepottingSunflowers, including the 'Giraffe' variety, generally do not require repotting as they are annual plants. They grow for one season, bloom, produce seeds, and then die. Instead, sow new seeds annually in fresh soil to grow new plants.
Humidity & MistingSunflowers 'Giraffe' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements. They thrive in open outdoor environments where the humidity is naturally regulated and can adapt to average household humidity levels when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and a large pot for the Sunflower 'Giraffe.'
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, after last frost, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the common sunflower, Helianthus annuus 'Giraffe', begins with the germination stage, where the seed sprouts and develops a root system and its first leaves, typically after being sown in early spring. The vegetative stage follows, characterized by rapid stem and leaf growth, as the plant develops a sturdy stalk and expansive foliage to capture sunlight. In the reproductive stage, floral buds emerge and blossom into large, yellow flowers with a central disk that attracts pollinators. After pollination, usually by bees, the flower heads mature to the seed-setting phase, wherein the disk florets become hundreds of sunflower seeds. The seeds can be harvested in late summer to early fall when the back of the sunflower head turns brown, and the foliage starts to wither. Upon harvesting, the cycle can begin anew if seeds are kept for replanting or left to self-sow if conditions permit.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The common sunflower, Helianthus annuus 'Giraffe', is typically propagated through seeds, which is the most popular method. To propagate sunflowers, the seeds should be sown outdoors after the last expected frost when the soil has warmed to at least 50°F (10°C). Sowing directly in the soil where they will grow is preferred, as sunflowers have long taproots that can be damaged if transplanted. Plant the seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and space them about 6 inches (15 cm) apart to allow ample room for growth. Water the area well after planting and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which generally takes 7 to 10 days. Once the seedlings emerge, they should be thinned to stand about 18 inches (45 cm) apart, allowing the plants to have enough space to mature.
