Sunflowers

[pamnez]

I have 12 sunflowers growing in my garden, half of them in bloom.  One of them has a RED flower head instead of a yellow one.  Does anyone know if this is unusual?  I have never seen one before.

[SteveD]

Maybe there was an odd seed in the packet:

http://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/s/sunflower_PR.htm

[pamnez]

Thankyou SteveD.  It is not the same as on the link that you posted to me but I do agree that it may have been an odd seed that got mixed in.  It is really lovely though.

[WendyS]

If you like birds, don't forget to save the sunflower seeds once the petals have fallen.  Leave them on the plants until October/November to dry and then they can be sprinkled on the ground.  Chaffinches, collared doves and lots of other birds love them as they are full of goodness.  Meanwhile enjoy the flowers while they last.

[pamnez]

WendyS.  I feed my birds every morning so I will do as you suggest with the seeds.  That is if there are any left.  I have a grey squirrel that comes most days and last year, he sat on my fence, day in and day out and fed on the seeds from the sunflowers. Consequently, I have sunflowers growing in parts of the garden that I didn't plant seeds in. I think mr squirrel must have buried a few of them.

[liquoricemad]

Was it a red squirrel?  there's your answer!