Sunflower Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety'
ABOUT
Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety' is a cultivar of sunflower known for its distinctive features. It boasts large, daisy-like flowers with a central disk usually colored in varying shades of brown or deep yellow, surrounded by a perimeter of bright yellow petals, which stand out vibrantly. These petals are typically long and lance-shaped, radiating from the center like the rays of the sun, which gives the sunflower its name. Its foliage consists of large, rough, hairy leaves that are heart-shaped with pointed tips, arranged in an opposite fashion along the sturdy stems, which gives it a lush, green appearance. The sunflower's central disk is not only a visual focal point but also an ecological hub, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The rough texture of the leaves, the furry stalk, and the sturdy nature of its stems add to the tactile experience of the plant. Overall, Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety' is a robust and cheerful addition to any garden or floral display, bringing with it a touch of sunshine regardless of the weather.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Sunflower, Gullick's Sunflower
Common names
Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety'
ToxicityTo humans
Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety' is a type of sunflower, and sunflowers are not generally considered toxic to humans. However, if you have allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, you may experience allergic reactions. Ingesting large quantities of sunflower seeds may cause stomach pain or issues due to the fiber content. Otherwise, there are no significant toxic effects reported from consuming parts of the sunflower in typical amounts.
To pets
For pets, Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety', commonly known as a sunflower, is not considered toxic. It is generally safe if pets ingest parts of the sunflower plant. However, as with any non-food item, ingestion of large amounts could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet consumes a significant amount of sunflower seeds with the shells, there is a risk of gastrointestinal blockage. Always monitor your pets around plants and contact a veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Sunflowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that aid in pollination and support biodiversity.
- Beautification: Sunflowers add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes with their bright, showy flowers and can serve as a focal point in garden design.
- Edible Seeds: Sunflower seeds are a nutritious snack for humans and birds, providing a natural food source for wildlife and an opportunity for birdwatching.
- Soil Improvement: Sunflowers are known to help in improving soil health by extracting toxins and heavy metals from the soil, which can be beneficial in contaminated areas.
- Easy to Grow: Requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for novice gardeners or those looking for low-care landscaping options.
- Cut Flowers: Makes excellent cut flowers which can be used for bouquets or indoor decoration, adding cheer and color to home interiors.
- Shade Provider: Tall varieties can provide shade for smaller plants, helping to create a more diverse and layered garden environment.
- Erosion Control: Their root systems can help reduce soil erosion, making them effective for planting on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Creation of dyes: The petals of sunflowers like Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety' can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics and crafts, providing a range of yellow and orange hues.
- Animal feed: The seeds and foliage of sunflowers can be used to feed livestock, offering a source of nutrients for animals such as cows and chickens.
- Art and education: Sunflowers are often used in art projects and educational activities to demonstrate plant growth and anatomy or to teach about the importance of pollinators.
- Craft materials: Dried sunflower stems can be used as a base material for creating wreaths and other rustic craft items.
- Composting: Sunflower stalks and leaves, being high in nutrients, are excellent additions to compost piles to enrich the resultant soil amendment.
- Pest control: Sunflowers can be used in companion planting strategies due to their ability to attract beneficial insects that help in pest management.
- Soil remediation: Sunflowers are known to extract heavy metals from the soil through a process called phytoremediation, thereby improving soil quality.
- Plant support: The tall and sturdy stalks of sunflowers can serve as natural supports for climbing plants in the garden.
- Biofuel production: Sunflower oil can be converted into biodiesel, which is a renewable energy source.
- Photography and inspiration: Sunflowers are popular subjects for photographers and artists, both for their aesthetic beauty and as symbols of happiness and optimism.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sunflower is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sunflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adoration: The sunflower, in general, symbolizes adoration due to its nature of turning towards the sun, which can be perceived as a form of worship or adoration.
- Loyalty: Sunflowers are known for their loyalty in the way they follow the sun across the sky, thereby symbolizing steadiness and fidelity.
- Longevity: With their sturdy stems and bright blooms that last throughout the summer, sunflowers represent a long life and good health.
- Positivity: Sunflowers with their bright yellow petals evoke brightness and positivity, as they resemble the sun, bringing light and joy.
- Vitality: Sunflowers are a symbol of vitality due to their robust growth and vibrant appearance, suggesting energy and vibrancy.
WaterTo water the Sunflower 'Gullick's Variety', it's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as Sunflowers do not like to be overwatered. Generally, watering should be done deeply once a week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, depending on the weather conditions. During hot or dry periods, watering frequency may need to increase to twice a week, ensuring each time that the soil is soaked to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches. It's best to water the plant at the base to avoid getting water on the leaves which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightSunflower 'Gullick's Variety' thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these sun-loving giants is an open area with clear exposure to the sun throughout the day, away from taller structures or trees that may cast shade on them.
TemperatureSunflowers, including the 'Gullick's Variety', prefer warmer temperatures and can generally endure temperatures as high as 90°F and as low as 30°F. However, the ideal temperature for robust growth is between 70°F to 78°F. These sunflowers are not frost-tolerant and should be planted after the last frost of spring has passed.
PruningPruning the Sunflower 'Gullick's Variety' is generally performed to remove dead or damaged leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and more blooms. Deadheading the spent blooms throughout the blooming season can help promote more flowers. Pruning is best done in the late afternoon or early morning, and it is not a frequent requirement, only as needed when there’s dead or damaged foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSunflowers, such as the Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety', thrive best in well-draining, nutrient-rich loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix can be made by combining equal parts of garden soil, compost, and a lightening agent such as perlite or vermiculite to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingSunflowers, like the Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety', typically do not require frequent repotting as they are annuals. They are usually sown directly where they are to flower, and since they complete their life cycle in one season, repotting is not generally applicable.
Humidity & MistingSunflowers, including the Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety', are adaptable to many humidity conditions and do not require especially high humidity. Average ambient humidity is typically sufficient for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Sunflowers indoors, ensure a sunny spot, regular watering, and good soil.
Outdoor
Plant Sunflowers in full sun, fertile soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety', commonly known as Sunflower, begins with seed germination, triggered by soil warmth and moisture. After germination, the seedling stage commences as the first true leaves emerge, initiating photosynthesis. The vegetative stage follows, with the sunflower plant growing rapidly in height and developing a sturdy stem and larger leaves in preparation for flowering. During the reproductive stage, the sunflower blooms, displaying its large, yellow, petal-laden flower heads, which contain disk florets capable of producing seeds. Pollination, often assisted by bees and other pollinators, is crucial in this stage for the development of seeds within the flower head. Lastly, the maturation stage occurs as seeds within the flower head mature, after which the plant begins to wither, and seeds can be harvested or naturally dispersed, completing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Helianthus 'Gullick's Variety', commonly known as sunflower, is often propagated through seeds, which is the most popular method. The best time to sow sunflower seeds is in the spring after the last frost has passed, ensuring that soil temperatures have reached at least 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit (12.8-15.6 degrees Celsius). Plant the seeds in well-drained soil about an inch deep (2.54 centimeters) and space them about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) apart. Sunflowers require full sunlight and should be watered regularly during their germination period, which typically takes 7 to 10 days. Once the seedlings have developed a couple of sets of leaves, thin them out, leaving the strongest plants about 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) apart to allow them ample room to grow.
