Few garden pests match the destructive power of Japanese beetles. In their mature form, they decimate gardens, leaving skeletonized leaves and weakened plants behind. In their immature stage, when they're commonly called grubs, they feast on tender grassroots, leaving brown, dying lawns in their wake. Controlling these invasive pests requires action during both stages. Understanding where Japanese beetles came from and where they're headed can help you take back the upper hand.
Botanically speaking, the sunflower family includes annual types that live for a single season and perennials that come back year after year. But the classic, sturdy-stemmed, big-bloomed sunflowers that elevate farm-to-table bouquets are annuals with the botanical name Helianthus annuus. Say "sunflower" to most people, and annuals are the ones that come to mind. Their perennial relatives are pretty, but they don't deliver the big, gorgeous blooms that classic annual sunflowers do.
Sunflowers come in colors and sizes to suit every gardener and garden. Besides the timeless golden flowers, sunflower colors span the spectrum from pale ivory to russet red and nearly black, with centers that range from deep, dark chocolate to mustard yellow.
Some sunflower types offer one flower on each strong stem in a defined bloom time. Others offer branched stems with multiple blooms and extended bloom times. Depending on your tastes, you can choose from dwarf sunflowers ideal for urban balconies to giant sunflowers that tower 15 feet or more. In general, the taller the stalk, the bigger the flower on top.
If you're growing for stunning bouquets, pollen-free types won't drop pollen on your table. (And allergy sufferers in the family will appreciate them, too.) If you're looking to attract pollinators to your garden, only pollen-producing types will do. Not all modern sunflower varieties produce seeds, so if nurturing winter birds is your goal, choose varieties accordingly. And don't worry about kids, cats or dogs; annual sunflowers aren't toxic.1
It's hard to look at a sunflower and not feel happiness take hold. These simple-to-grow beauties are perfect for everyone, from beginners and kids to experienced gardeners. The hardest part of growing sunflowers is deciding which ones to grow. So jump on board, get ready for sunny blooms and follow these basics for sunflower fun:
The common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a species of large annual forb of the daisy family Asteraceae. The common sunflower is harvested for its edible oily seeds which are used in the production of cooking oil, as well as other uses such as food for livestock, bird food, and planting in domestic gardens for aesthetics. Wild plants are known for their multiple flower heads, whereas the domestic sunflower often possesses a single large flower head atop an unbranched stem.
A majestic peacock spreads its impressive feathers wide, soaring beautifully against a backdrop of blue sky and fluffy clouds.
Captured in mid-flight, this splendid peacock showcases its vibrant blue and green plumage against the clear sky. The bird's feathers are fully fanned out, displaying the eye-catching patterns that make peacocks a symbol of beauty and pride. The dynamic movement of the peacock is emphasized by the wispy clouds and light-dappled leaves of the trees in the background, creating a scene full of life and natural elegance.
A majestic peacock spreads its impressive feathers wide, soaring beautifully against a backdrop of blue sky and fluffy clouds.
Captured in mid-flight, this splendid peacock showcases its vibrant blue and green plumage against the clear sky. The bird's feathers are fully fanned out, displaying the eye-catching patterns that make peacocks a symbol of beauty and pride. The dynamic movement of the peacock is emphasized by the wispy clouds and light-dappled leaves of the trees in the background, creating a scene full of life and natural elegance.
Peacock in pop art style.
Peacock in pop art style. A bold and vibrant peacock with feathers in bright and contrasting colors, featuring a pop art-inspired aesthetic.
