Sunflower Helianthus annuus Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl = 'Sunbeliv01' (Sunbelievable Series)
ABOUT
The Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl is a captivating floral spectacle with a vivid display of blooms that bring energy and warmth to any setting. Its flowers are a rich, sunny yellow with a dark, almost chocolatey central disk that gives the variety its 'Brown Eyed Girl' nickname. The multitude of petals radiate outwards in a classic daisy-like form, creating a cheerful and inviting appearance. The plant repeatedly produces these charming flowers throughout the season, offering a continuous display of color without the need for deadheading. The foliage of this variety is lush and green, providing a complementary backdrop to the brilliant blossoms. Overall, the Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl presents itself as a bright and ebullient addition to gardens and containers alike, bringing a sense of joy and vibrancy wherever it grows.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl, Perennial Sunflower
Common names
Helianthus annuus.
- Toxicity
To humans
The common name of Helianthus annuus 'Sunbeliv01' is sunflower. Sunflowers are not considered toxic to humans, and there are no known toxic effects from ingesting parts of the sunflower plant. They are actually known to be edible and have nutritional value, particularly the seeds which are commonly consumed as a snack or used to produce sunflower oil.
To pets
The common name of Helianthus annuus 'Sunbeliv01' is sunflower. Sunflowers are generally non-toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of the sunflower plant, including the petals or seeds, is not known to cause toxic effects in pets. However, as with any non-food item, eating large amounts of the plant could potentially lead to digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the ingestion of non-digestible material.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
North America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Extended Blooming Season: The Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl sunflower provides an extended blooming season compared to traditional sunflowers, offering continuous color from early summer to the first frost.
- Low Maintenance: This sunflower variety is designed to be easy to care for and does not require deadheading to keep blooming.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms of Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl sunflowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, which helps pollinate surrounding plants.
- Compact Size: This plant is more compact and controlled in growth, suitable for smaller gardens and container planting.
- Abundant Blossoms: Produces an abundance of flowers, with the potential for a single plant to generate over 1,000 blooms in a season.
- Durability: The thick, sturdy stems help the plant withstand various weather conditions, decreasing the need for staking.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some traditional sunflowers, this variety does not spread aggressively, making it a good neighbor to other plants in the garden.
- Ornamental Use: With its striking flowers and lush foliage, it's an excellent choice for ornamental purposes in garden beds and borders.
- Versatility: Suited for a variety of uses including as cut flowers, in mass plantings, as a focal point in the garden, or as part of a mixed-plant container.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- The Sunflower 'Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl' can be used as a natural dye source; the petals contain pigments that can dye fabrics and materials a yellow or greenish color.
- These sunflowers can also serve as a natural bird feeder; as the flower heads mature and seeds develop, they attract birds that feed on the seeds.
- The stalks, being sturdy and fibrous, can be used in the creation of paper or environmentally friendly straws.
- The plant's fibers may be used in making textiles or ropes, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.
- The dried flower heads can double as natural scrubbing tools for cleaning, as the rough texture aids in scrubbing away dirt.
- When the sunflower stems are dried, they can be used as a biomass fuel source due to their calorific content.
- The empty seed hulls from the plant can be utilized as a filling material for bean bags or pillows.
- Sunflower petals are often used in potpourri mixes for their color and, when fresh, for their subtle fragrance.
- The seeds can be offered to wildlife in the winter as an emergency food source when other food is scarce.
- Sunflower oil extracted from the seeds of 'Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl' can be an ingredient in natural paints and varnishes.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Sunflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Sunflower is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Adoration: The common name of Helianthus annuus is sunflower, and sunflowers are known to symbolize adoration, as they always turn to face the sun, reminiscent of following something with unwavering faith.
- Loyalty: Due to their trait of following the sun across the sky, sunflowers also represent loyalty, reflecting consistency and steadfastness in relationships.
- Longevity: Sunflowers are symbolic of a long life, as they can withstand hot summers and continue to bloom, suggesting resilience and durability.
- Positivity: The bright and cheerful appearance of sunflowers is often associated with positivity, happiness, and optimism, bringing light and joy to a person's life.
- Vitality: Sunflowers signify vitality or a well-lived life, as they are robust, strong, and seem to burst with energy, like the sun they follow.
- Good fortune: In some cultures, sunflowers are believed to bring good luck and are often given as gifts to wish someone prosperity and wellness.
- Intellectual Growth: The sunflower's constant seeking of sunlight parallels the quest for knowledge, making it a symbol for those who value learning and intellectual growth.
- Peace: In modern times, sunflowers have been used as emblems for peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons, owing to their nature of turning to face the sun, symbolizing a desire for seeking light and truth.
- Water
The Sunflower 'Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl' should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist without being waterlogged. In general, during the growing season, watering once a week with one to two gallons of water would suffice, but this may increase to twice a week during particularly hot or dry periods. Always check the top inch of soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases; instead, direct water to the base of the plant.
- Light
The Sunflower 'Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl' thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for the plant would be an unobstructed area where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day without any shade, ensuring robust growth and prolific flowering.
- Temperature
Sunflower 'Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl' prefers warm conditions with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night and a maximum of about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures outside this range might stress the plant, reducing its vigor and blooming potential.
- Pruning
The Sunflower 'Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl' typically requires minimal pruning. Deadhead the spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Additionally, prune away any damaged or dead foliage to keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth. The best time for pruning is during the early morning hours when the plant is not in full sun stress.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Sunflower 'Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl' flourishes best in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with plenty of organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal for this plant. For optimal results, mix garden soil with compost and a slow-release fertilizer to support its growth.
- Repotting
Sunflowers, including the 'Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl', are typically not repotted as they are annual plants. They are grown from seed and last for one growing season, at which point they complete their life cycle.
- Humidity & Misting
Sunflowers like the 'Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and do not require a specific humidity level. They thrive in outdoor environments where the humidity is natural and not controlled.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in a sunny spot and water regularly.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, water as needed.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of the Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl sunflower begins with seed germination, usually in early spring, once the soil temperature reaches about 70-85°F (21-29°C). Upon germination, it starts to develop a sturdy stem and a root system, quickly sending out its first sets of leaves in a matter of days. As a fast-growing annual, it progresses to form a bushy structure with multiple branches, each capable of producing numerous flower heads. The distinctive blooms appear throughout the summer, showcasing brown centers surrounded by vibrant yellow petals, and continue to flower until the first frost. After flowering, seeds develop in the center and mature, ready to be collected if desired. With the arrival of cold weather, the plant completes its cycle, dying back and decomposing or being removed, as it does not survive frost.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Sunflower 'Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl' is commonly propagated by seed. Sowing seeds is the most popular method for propagating this variety of sunflower. To propagate, after the last frost date has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), the seeds should be planted directly into the garden or outdoor container where the plant is intended to grow. Plant the seeds about a half inch deep (about 1.25 centimeters) in a well-draining soil mix with full sun exposure, and water them thoroughly. Germination typically takes 7 to 14 days. Care should be taken to space the plants according to their mature size, which is typically specified on the seed packet, to ensure adequate air circulation and access to sunlight for all plants as they grow.