Why sunflowers follow the sun?

Discussion in 'Gardening Discussions' started by Saliha, Jun 11, 2018.

  1. Saliha

    Saliha Gardener

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    I found this article few years back and found it interesting to know a little more about the secret life of sunflowers.

    NPR Choice page
     
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    • Clare G

      Clare G Super Gardener

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      That's a nice informative article - thanks for posting it! I have seen fields of sunflowers on holiday in the south of France and yup they will always all be facing the same way!

      On the same theme there is a famous self-portrait by the C17 artist Anthony van Dyck, in which he paints himself with an enormous sunflower - see below. The symbolism is a bit obscure, but again it's believed he chose a sunflower because of the way it follows the sun's rays - he was the principal painter at the court of Charles I at this point, and the gold chain he is showing us had been given him by the king. "Like the flower I rejoice in the sun's [king's] rays," I think he's saying.

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      • Colo

        Colo Apprentice Gardener

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        That's an interesting article. This is the first time we have grown sunflowers, my 9 year old daughter did them seed and currently around 5ft high.

        I was wondering how they will end up looking in the front garden if they face away from the public footpath.

        Sunflowers are my fave flowers, they always make me smile.
         
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        • martin-f

          martin-f Plant Hardiness Zone 8b

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          Hi colo why not join in with the bit of fun in this thread :).
          TALLEST SUNFLOWER AND LARGEST SUNFLOWER HEAD 2018
           
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