It's definitely been an odd year, no doubt about it. Never did I think I'd see California Lilacs in mid July at the same time my sunflowers started to bloom. But it's happening, so here's what we've got in bloom in sunflower land...
While I've always loved my Russian Mammoth sunflowers, I've always had a crush on Mexican sunflowers and their cousins, so I couldn't resist this package of heirloom seeds which result in a variety of color combinations. Above you see my favorite version with reds and oranges, really reflecting the sunset like it's described, yet below you'll see there's also a more subtle version, with the slight stripey-ness inside. Unlike the Russians, this only grows to about 5-6' in height, but the bees love it just as much and I can't wait to put a couple in vases as soon as they flower more!
TIP: Most of us are familiar with volunteer seeding (got a bunch of those in our backyard!) but when you start new ones, I've found with ducks and snails and such, it's easier to grow them in a raised bed first til they get about 5-6" high and are strong enough to be transplanted. Best advice? Grow them where you'll eventually plant your peppers and tomatoes, because by the time those are ready to go in, the sunflower starts will be ready to transplant wherever you want in the garden. Our ducks totally leave them alone when they are that height, and the weather is usually drying up enough where snails aren't nearly the problem they are earlier in the season (where they'll devour any young tender shoots they find - like in our front rockery where our birds can't access!)..
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