Sunflower with Multiple Heads: What To Do

What do you do when you see a sunflower with multiple heads? Do you cut off the extra heads? Do you leave them alone and hope they don’t take over the plant?

In this blog post, we will explore what to do when you encounter this interesting sunflower variant. We will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of leaving them alone and cutting them off so that you can make an informed decision on what to do!

Why Do My Sunflowers Have More Than One Head?

One possible reason is that the plant is trying to create more flowers in order to produce more seeds. Sunflowers are a type of helianthus, which are known for their large flowers and copious amounts of seeds. Having multiple heads on a sunflower can help ensure that at least some of the flowers will be successful in producing viable seeds.

Second, a sunflower may have multiple heads in response to high heat or drought conditions. This can be a way for the plant to compensate for extreme weather conditions that could otherwise damage the growth of individual flowers. Multiple heads allow more surface area on which the plant can absorb sunlight and water from rain or irrigation.

The final reason for a sunflower having more than one head could be due to genetic variation. Some plants simply have naturally occurring mutations that result in multiple heads on the flower. If you are growing sunflowers from seed, it is possible to get a plant with multiple heads even if you started with only one seed.

Single Headed Sunflowers And Multi Headed Sunflowers

Sunflowers with multiple heads are not as common as single-headed sunflowers, but they can be found. They usually have a few heads, but sometimes they can have up to a dozen. The heads are usually arranged in a spiral around the stem.

Single Headed Sunflowers

ProCut: The ProCut series of sunflowers have been selectively bred for the cut flower industry. Though these flowers are single-headed, their stems tend to be rather short and thick, making them an excellent choice for a tall vase. Colors range from lemon yellow to dark chocolate brown.

Mammoth Russian: Mammoth Russian sunflowers are some of the largest sunflowers in the world. They can grow up to 12 feet tall and have heads that weigh up to 25 pounds! The flowers are a deep golden yellow with brown centers.

Sunzilla: Sunzilla sunflowers get their name from their massive size. These plants can grow up to 14 feet tall and have heads that weigh up to 45 pounds! The flowers are a deep orange with black centers.

Multi Headed Sunflowers

Teddy Bear: Teddy bear sunflowers get their name from the soft, tan petals they have. These plants are very short and stocky, topped with multiple heads of golden yellow flowers.

Lemon Queen: Lemon queen sunflowers aren’t as popular or well known as other varieties, but they’re still a beautiful addition to any garden. The plants are medium height with multiple heads of light yellow flowers.

Sunburst: Sunburst sunflowers are a newer variety that was bred for their ornamental value. These plants have multiple heads of bright orange flowers that really stand out against the green leaves.

As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to growing sunflowers. No matter what you’re looking for, whether it be height or color, there is a variety out there that will meet your needs!

Should You Cut Off Sunflower Heads?

Once the petals of your sunflowers have wilted and fallen, you may be tempted to remove the entire head. After all, it is just a seedpod at this point and looks unattractive in the garden, right?

Well, not so fast! There are some very good reasons to retain the heads.

Seeds for birds and squirrels: If you don’t want a mess in your garden, then yes. Otherwise, leave them on until they are completely dry (this can take several weeks).

The seeds attract birds and squirrels, which can be a lot of fun to watch.

Winter interest: Another good reason to leave them on is for winter interest. The dried heads are very attractive against the snow.

Disease protection: One final reason to keep the heads on is that they act as a barrier against disease. The dried heads help to protect the developing seeds inside from getting wet and rotting.

So, should you cut off sunflower heads? It depends on your priorities. If you want a clean garden and don’t mind losing the winter interest, then go ahead and remove them. But if you want to provide food for birds and squirrels or if you like the look of dried flower heads against the snow, then leave them on!

How Many Heads Does A Sunflower Have

Sunflowers have one main head, but they can also grow multiple heads. The number of heads on a sunflower can vary depending on the variety. Some types of sunflowers have only one head, while others can grow up to 50 heads.

The main head is the biggest and most visible, while the other heads are smaller and often located in the flower’s center.

Sunflower heads are typically composed of hundreds of individual flowers. Each flower has its own set of petals and reproductive organs. Together, the flowers on a sunflower head create the characteristic yellow disc.

Can A Sunflower Grow A New Head?

There is some debate over whether a sunflower can grow a new head. Some people say that it is possible, while others claim that it is not. The truth is that it all depends on the individual sunflower. Some may be able to sprout a new head, while others will not.

So, if you are curious about whether or not your sunflower can grow a new head if its existing one gets cut off, the answer is yes! You just have to try it and see what happens.

Can A Sunflower Regrow If Cut In Half?

Yes, you can see around the edge of the cut.

The circle inside the sunflower will continue to grow and produce flowers and seeds (sunflower kernels). The part that is sloped cannot be so it will die back from being sliced in half. If you place your finger over the cut slightly, to catch any sustenance or fluids- this may prolong its life a little longer. The other way to do it would be getting a straightedge tool out, but please use extreme caution when moving plants around especially if they have been outside.

I hope now you understand why sometimes sunflowers grow with multiple heads. It’s not mandatory to cut multiple heads from sunflowers, it’s always up to you to decide.

FAQ

How long do sunflowers last?

What month do sunflowers bloom

Sunflowers typically bloom in the month of August.

Do sunflowers bloom more than once?

Sunflowers will typically bloom once a year, but in some cases, they may bloom twice.

Can you transplant sunflowers?

Yes, you can transplant sunflowers. Be sure to water them well after transplanting.

Are sunflowers poisonous?No, sunflowers are not poisonous.

No, sunflowers are not poisonous.

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