Etsy | thecatsmeow2011

Cream-Colored 'Coconut Ice' Sunflowers Are A Cool Addition To Any Garden

There are certain flowers that bring out the childhood wonder in all of us. One of those flowers for me is a sunflower. As long as I can remember I've always loved them. They're totally synonymous with warm summer days.

But did you know there is a cool sunflower variety that doesn't look like the typical yellow flower we all have grown to love? Say hello to "coconut ice" sunflowers.

Thanks to hybrid growing technology, we can now marvel at this unique sunflower variety called "coconut ice."

Its petals start out as rich, creamy vanilla that gradually transition to white.

These single-headed flowers with a black center can grow up to 5 feet tall and are about 4 to 8 inches across.

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And I gotta say, they're definitely something else to see.

The best way to sow sunflowers is to plant the seeds directly in the garden after a frost.

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They will also need well-drained soil and like to face the sun.

Once you plant these, the seedlings will emerge in about seven to 10 days.

During the growing season, you need to make sure you keep weeds under control.

The weeds tend to compete with the plants for water, as well as for space and nutrients.

Etsy | thecatsmeow2011

So, you should cultivate your garden often or use a mulch to prevent weeds from germinating.

Mulch can also help the plants retain their moisture through the soil and even help regulate the soil temperature.

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Use an organic mulch of shredded leaves for the best natural environment.

Once sunflowers have had time to establish themselves, they can actually tolerate drought.

You don't really need to fertilize them, but you need to keep an eye out for pests.

Most varieties, like the "coconut ice," will only produce one bloom.

Once the bloom is spent the plant can be removed. Killed off plants should be removed to prevent disease.

Oh my goodness, I would love to see this beautiful and unique "coconut ice" sunflower with my own eyes.

One day I shall plant sunflowers in my garden.