Why are Sunflowers Grown Commercially?

[@Mark723]

Mark would make an excellent teacher! Why is this man not teaching our children?! Oh, that's right - he already has another livelihood: teaching us...

[@storyman507]

Mark, I grew my first sunflower this year and it was glorious. I didn't have much room so I used a large container and surrounded the base with colorful coleus. It was quite a show for the neighbors. The pollinators loved it and now the birds are feeding off the seeds. It was the plant that kept on giving.

[@michaelflores1362]

Great video, I learned a lot. BTW you look like the kiwi gardener check out his you tube channel. You should coordinate an episode with him

[@johnatyoutube]

Thanks for the fantastic history lesson Mark! So many benefits from growing this plant aside from its beauty. Beautiful backdrop for your video!

[@ivandouglas-happyhealthyli3405]

Love sunflowers. I’m an art teacher and we do a Vincent Van Gogh study of his sunflowers. Thanks for sharing Mark.

[@tomcurtis197]

Local farms near me allow people to come get the sunflowers at $2 a stalk for their fall decorations. We have two farms locally that I know that do this! In the spring I'll be planting a couple chocolate cherry sunflowers and a couple California giant for the seeds for birds! Great video Mark! Have a great weekend!

[@brentlincicome1745]

I always love seeing a field of sunflowers. They are also the State flower of my home State, Kansas.

[@jack6964]

Thanks for taking us along Mark! Absolutely stunning video. And you’re right there is nothing like a whole huge field of sunflowers standing there just looking beautiful. Have a great week!

[@neilschipper3741]

Wow... if you would have asked where am I at today earlier I would have said lost somewhere in Kansas! Great information today, who knew! Thanks Mark for sharing. Another great video. Hope you're having a fantastic week!

[@cassandraberger9146]

Loved all the varieties I planted in my postage stamp New Jersey garden! The tall skyscrapers with many branching limbs lasted so much longer than my 1 & done varieties! Word to the wise Stake the tall varieties if planting in single rows! Wind, squirrels & being top heavy they’ll break! I got the most joy & excitement from little children visiting my private garden over the dwarf “teddy bears” & “topolino” ! There is something so rewarding growing from seed, especially sunflowers ! Thanks Mark, I had no idea of this awesome plants history!👏

[@lindabeaulieu6770]

Hi Mark! Wow, great blue sky to contrast nicely with the sunflowers. 🌻 Eye candy all around. 🤩🤣 Informative as usual. Thanks.

[@charmainederrick508]

Sunflower has such a history . What a Beautiful Picture . Thank you

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Charmaine! Yes they do have a interesting history, don't they! You're very welcome! Thank you for watching! Have a great weekend! All my best, -Mark

[@charmainederrick508]

@@marksgardenlife5971 I am going to see how to make sunflower oil . Plant, Harvest And Manufacture 👍

[@johnslanicky]

Having a couple sunflowers in our garden has always been a staple. 🌞 Awed by how tall some of the plants have grown, and saddened when a storm has blown the giants over. Great video. LOVED the mass of golden color. I had no idea sunflowers have been used so far back in history. Mark, thanks for todays lesson, learned something new. 👍❤️⭐️

[@scottrhodes8160]

My favorite flower-so easy to grow and so rewarding. good video as always.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thanks Scott!

[@johanuhllbeck8880]

Hi Mark, Lovely video 🌻 reminds me of a hot and sunny summer day in Bordeaux.

[@Schmutley]

Mark, thanks for that history lesson. I really enjoy the content of your videos. Great job!

[@kennstransky]

Such a sunny feel good video on a dark and rainy day here in Vermont. Thanks for educating me on the cooking oil history.. I never ever even thought of that!.

[@patriciaplummer1280]

Picture perfect love the sunflowers with the blue sky an shirt Thanks Mark!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hey Patricia! It was a beautiful day. I didn't even think of the blue sky when I put the blue shirt on, but I guess they do sort of match. Thanks for watching! Have a wonderful weekend! All my best, -Mark

[@wdsjrmd1]

thanks Mark. I learned something today and every day when i learn something new is a very satisfying day

[@stellamaggard3669]

Very pretty. 🌻 Sunflower's one of my favorites!!! And it's always nice to learn history.

[@jorunngramvordal3940]

🇧🇻 Thank you for another nice video Mark. We don't have fields with comercial grown sunflowers in Norway. I always grow them in my garden though. I feed the birds and they drop seeds all over. I Just move the sprouts where I want them to grow. Unfortunately we have had our first frostnights now so they are all gone.

[@zinnialady5153]

Sunflowers make me smile.

[@andredarmanie3487]

Hey Mark , cool history lesson. I used sunflowers twice in my home garden , it really is a Happy Flower even on rainy days in any garden , very easy to grow once you have lots of sun and space. Your channel makes me want to get back into landscaping so so much . The way you spotted the plants into your zinnia fence was a stunning contrast. You really make videos with enjoyable educational content. Following your progress as you grow.... Just being in that field of sunflowers...wow : ) You are Great for Tourism .Keep up with the Great Gardening Content and your Positive vibe.

[@michaelfalso3380]

So informative and fascinating. I always wondered by people grow them--I couldn't even pinpoint exactly why I always plant a few. I don't use sunflower oil personally (too high in omega 6, can cause inflammation) and because the oil degrades/becomes toxic when heated. But that doesn't mean I wouldn't ever use it--that's just highly refined fractionated oil in general. The seeds are another story and do have some great health-promoting properties for birds and humans alike. I guess I grow sunflowers because they are easy, prolific, and are always a surprise even though I'm expecting them. They get so massive and bright make me smile. It doesn't hurt that the seeds are tasty as well. :) Thanks for sharing.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Michael! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. You sound very knowledgeable about food products. Thanks for watching! -Mark

[@matthewdepew2230]

Another fantastic video, providing an interesting historical background to the viewers and a gorgeous day to film the sunflowers! Great job. Mark!👌💜

[@dennisriphenburg8392]

Thanks again Mark for another great video, especially with the history of sunflowers. I’ve got a few in my backyard that have all turned to seed and really enjoy watching the Chestnut-backed Chickadees and Oak Titmice feed on them. I appreciate all you do!

[@thomasdewitt5705]

Wonderful segment sunflowers. Living on the farm my grandparents and my dad.. we grew them every year.. who could grow the tallest or the biggest head.. super cut flower 🌼

[@stepps511]

Fantastic, Mark! A beautiful as well as informative video. And close at hand, too. Thanks for the history - I had no idea sunflowers had been around for so long. Enjoy the day!

[@steverdms]

That was cool. Didn't know any of that history. Love them.

[@skeeter5976]

beautiful sunflower gardens......I try to grow them every year. As soon as they bloom they become squirrel food. Its amazing to watch them climb and chew the tops off and carry them away. I find parts of the flower head every where over the yard. But i admit i do grow the sunflowers for them. I have five that are realy tame to the point i hand feed them peanuts everyday. They know what is theirs in the yard. They would have a feild day in that garden....thanks again for another video...have a good one

[@luludufuret4585]

Dear Mark, thank you so much for this video. Your enthusiasm is just so contagious. The very, very best to you. Lulú

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Lulu! You're very welcome! Thank you! Have a wonderful weekend! All my best, -Mark

[@robertwilhelm7002]

Wow, just beautiful Mark! You picked the perfect day with the blue skies and sunshine to make this video. Thanks for all of the information on the sunflower history - it is all new to me. Always nice to learn something. I have grown sunflowers in the past with the intent to save the seeds for the birds in the winter; but, I never was able too harvest the seeds as they were always eaten prior. Keep up your good work.

[@southernbiscuits1275]

I remember growing sunflowers when I was a kid. They're such cheering flowers. The field you were standing in was fantastic. Thank you for the history lesson, Mark. I didn't know hardly anything about sunflowers except how pretty they are.

[@danhutson3460]

Mark, I don't know what's been going on, but I have been missing your videos, along with a few others. I am subscribed, so that makes no sense. Trying to catch up & I do enjoy your site.

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Dan! You may want to re-subscripe. KZbin does unsubscripe people at times. I'm not sure why. I appreciate you watching and thank you for your support of my channel. -Mark

[@danhutson3460]

Me too. I have been missing some other sites too. We live in a weird age.

[@tony9207]

Another great video.... and I too enjoy finding a field of sunflowers for photo ops... as well as Lavender fields! Another great video with regards to the history! Keep it going...

[@simonleaf2765]

Beautiful Sunflowers. I have a single one in my back garden (lol)

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Simon! That was 5 acres worth! lol Thanks for watching! All my best, -Mark

[@joecrowder7275]

I mix sunflower seeds in with my other grains for organic feed for my chickens . Plus I love mixing them in my flower beds and plant around outbuildings and in various other areas around my yard and gardens

[@charliensam]

The sunflower farm near our country property is just beautiful! Even now, when all the corn, hay, and soy have been harvested, the sunflowers at that farm are still standing strong, feeding the pollinators, and making us smile. :)

[@williamvonrolappe]

Great video, Mark! I learned some new things about sunflowers… I wasn’t aware of some of the history. These mammoth beauties have always been one of my favorites!

[@terryjohnson6392]

I grow sunflower just for my chickens they love them. That's a beautiful sunflower field.

[@SuperManning11]

Very interesting history. I plant several varieties of them by my tomatoes because the birds love them so much that they are always around, and it seems that those same birds also like to eat hornworms so my tomatoes are spared the ravages of those hungry pests! Where I live the sunflowers grow year round , which is good because tomatoes grow best in the winter months and during the summer the birds protect another crop that we’ll just call « hemp ». I just picked the first tomato of the season yesterday. Thanks for the video!

[@vseegobi]

Come through professor Mark!

[@jamesl1332]

Great video and great setting! I didn't even know until a few months ago that the yellow "petals" are actually flower bracts! And the flower is actually the cluster of tiny flowers across the head that each create the seeds (I think that's right?). I have previously not been very interested in sunflowers, but last year I relented and planted a Maximilian sunflower. If I could post pictures... Wow! Then everyone could see how a giant mass, 10ft tall of yellow flowers, looks. Definitely recommend. It will spread to about 4ft diameter, so give it some room. But worth it!

[@raquelkananis7687]

Beautiful! How are Mark? Keep up the great videos. Aloha🌈🌞🌸

[@saltlifess6226]

Sure look beautiful in a mass planting! Thanks for the info, Very informative

[@mbuzzmatt]

Thank you.

[@yazz2jazz313]

Hey! Hope u are well. Thanks for the cool info and history of the Sunflower! Its so true ..they really do evoke happiness and positivity and with the blue sky as the backdrop its cinematography perfection! U always bring out a topic that i like so much and puts a smile on my face! Have an awesome day!

[@georgesofield4596]

Breath taking and fascinating! Thankyou.

[@mtozzy11]

A field of sunflower's is quite the sight, I still remember seeing a 50 acre field of sunflower's at a hay farm when is was 5 years old, that yellow green. I normally grow a dozen or so for the native parrots and cockatoos, the king parrots and sulphur crested cockatoos love them. This year I've planned a variety called Teddy bears a orange coloured ornamental along with the black oils. I saw the teddy bears in a catalog (Diggers Club Australia) and thought I gotta have me some of them, My mum's dog is nicknamed teddy bear.

[@rustynailmendlesohn8710]

HI Mark, I totally forgot about Sunflower oil for some reason. TY for reminding me and the history of sunflower oil. Very informative. :) I use them for roasting and eating and for giving to the birds here in the Winter. BTW, nice blue tank top you're wearing contrasts beautifully with the golden yellow sunflowers :):):)

[@suffolkguy]

I liked it! You look good in sunflower!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi SG! Glad you liked it! Thanks! I appreciate you watching as always. Have a great weekend! All my best, -Mark

[@binkman9]

Maybe you can grow some next year and do a video about their culture and varieties.

[@paintingtracey]

Interesting vid once again!

[@rickbrosky3544]

Mark is styling in blue today

[@rebeccavalicoff1581]

In St. Louis Missouri, sunflowers peak in mid summer. I grew one sunflower which reached the home roof! But many times the squirrels get the seed:) how can you prevent that?

[@1bol390]

I LOVE SUNFLOWERS

[@GuyT-z7o]

Great info!

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thanks for watching! -Mark

[@kenac64]

beautiful

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi Ken! Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching! Have a great weekend! All my best, -Mark

[@johnbatterbee2257]

well who knew that there are two types of sunflowers? Thanks Mark.

[@duggio666]

Great history lesson with information that I never knew; thank you. Sunflowers always provide great visuals. Was it just a coincidence that your shirt matched the color of the sky and contrasted nicely with the sunflowers or was that all planned out in advance?😁

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

1st year gardener here. I plant 2 mammoths and they were amazing. But how hard will they be to pull out of the ground?

[@digital1937]

Surprised to see that the sunflowers in that area of Maryland are still looking good at the end of October? Was this filmed earlier in the fall?

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi! That was a 2nd and later planting. Filmed on 10/20/21. The weather here has been perfect. Blue skies, sunshine and nice warm days. Thanks for watching! Have a great weekend! All my best, -Mark

[@jonathandunn7576]

Hi Mark. Beautiful sun flowers. Questions? Does each flower begin from one single seed planted in the ground? And how much space do you plant the seeds apart and when is the best time of year to plant the seeds? And most importantly are sun flowers deer resistant? Thanks again for yet another informative video. Wishing you the best from across the miles here in NYC. Jonathan

[@woodydietz7512]

Hey Mark. Thanks for the information on sunflowers 🌻. Love learning about a plants history. I grew some 18 foot tall sunflowers this year for the first time. I was impressed but I think the branching type would be better for the flowers. Have you grow the “sun credible “ or “helioptris” kind? Hello from the S New Jersey Shore.

[@lailaagrado]

Looks like auto-portrait of Van Gogh midst his Sunflowers! ;)

[@markwagner4909]

I have always wanted to grown sunflowers but really have never had the space to make a huge impact! I could try to plant one plant and see what happens I’d like the smaller ones I also think there is a bushy type variety that I think blooms most of the summer. I could be wrong 😑

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

Interestingly, all parts of the sunflower plant are edible, the leaves and the petals are a good source for vitamin E and selenium, yet we generally use only the seed portion. The Indigenous peoples kept the dried leaves to be brewed as a tea and the green leaves were used to make a poultice for bites (insect or snake) to draw out toxins.

[@stephenburns3678]

Lest we recall " Uncle Jed " had his sunflower necktie.

[@rafa106900]

Mark, I’ve been growing sunflower all around the yard for the last 3-4 years. Every year, they come up by themselves. At the end of the season, do you cut them down and compost or do you leave and clear in the spring? Thanks. RJ

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Hi RJ Yes, they will re-seed themselves. I leave my sunflower heads up for the birds to work on over winter. I guess you could cut the heads off if you want to clean up and put the heads up on a picnic table, etc. for the birds. Thanks for watching! Have a great weekend! All my best, -Mark

[@demoniczek27]

Do you have everlasting Summer out there? Central Europe is wet, cold and windy at the moment

[@henningbartels6245]

Did you know that sunflowers usually look to the East with their blossom?

[@glenlee5963]

wow

[@maeJoyBwithU-ux3fn]

gr8 video! gr8 fieLd! i appreciate your research & the information you put together... xOxOx

[@marksgardenlife5971]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching. Have a great weekend! All my best, -Mark

[@maeJoyBwithU-ux3fn]

@@marksgardenlife5971 itHinK theWorLd ofYou &uGottaNun onYouRside

[@eastraversupplies7843]

Sunflower oil smells like bottled sun 🌞

[@ErnieHatmaker]

😮

[@Иванп-с2к]

👋🔥👍👍👍

[@alejandrozucca2457]

You're like a human Wikipedia