Sunflowers

Why do sunflowers always reach towards the sun? There are two schools of thought:

  • It’s due to differential growth of the stem. There’s a growth-regulator that builds up in the shaded side of the sunflower’s stem, making that side grow faster than the sunny side. This causes the stem to bend towards the sun.
  • Go outside, stand on your tippy-toes, stretch your arms out wide, and feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Feels good, eh?

1 Dec 2001 13 Dec 2001 14 Dec 2001 13 Dec 2001 23 Dec 2001 23 Dec 2001


14 Dec 2001: The first flower is just starting to open (see picture above).

Oct 2001: Planted sunflower seeds in the top garden bed.