Sunflowers are one of the most popular and commonly known flowers. Here's a guide on all there is to know about sunflowers!

History of Sunflowers

Sunflowers are native to North America and they are said to be first grown more than 4000 years ago. They were also cultivated for various edible and non-edible purposes. Edible uses of sunflowers include the consumption of their seeds which were often eaten as a snack, grinded into flour for baking or extracted as oil for cooking. Non-food uses of sunflowers include using their flower petals and pollen to make colored dye while the oil from their seeds were used as a sunscreen. Eventually, sunflowers began to be cultivated over large areas throughout USA, Europe, China and South America.

How Sunflowers Derived their Name

Sunflowers are known to move in the direction of the sun and thus, are often repositioning themselves to face the sun throughout the day. Hence, its name is derived from two Greek words "helios" and "anthos" which mean "sun" and "flower" respectively. 

Symbolism of Sunflowers

Sunflowers represent loyalty, sincerity and happiness. They are also commonly associated with happiness and friendship. Their vibrant and cheery color make them a great gift to brighten up anyone's day! 

Over here at Ana Hana, we sell flower bouquets with sunflowers as well! Send this as a gift to your loved ones today!

Fact Facts of Sunflowers

• Did you know that sunflowers have medicinal uses? The juice from the stem of sunflowers can be used to treat wounds while the oil extracted from their seed can help to treat cough.
• Did you know that sunflower heads actually consist of 1,000 to 2,000 individual flowers joined together? The petals around the edge of a sunflower head are individual ray flowers which did not manage to develop into seeds.
• Did you know that the meaning of sunflowers vary across different cultures? Sunflowers are associated with long life and good fortune in Chinese culture while the Incas worshipped sunflowers.

We hope this guide has been useful in helping you learn more about sunflowers! 

If you have any questions or need any help, feel free to contact us via our website, email, Instagram (@anahanaflower) or via Whatsapp at +65 98569650. We're based in Singapore but can also deliver non-living items overseas. We also do same-day deliveries locally.

Love,
Ana Hana