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43 Sunflower Quotes to Bring a Ray of Light to Your Life

Sunflowers, with their vibrant petals and towering stems, have captured the hearts and imaginations of people for centuries. As powerful symbols of hope, resilience, and positivity, these golden blooms have not only inspired artists and poets but have also found their way into the worlds of literature and philosophy.

Whether we find ourselves navigating a period of adversity or simply seeking a daily dose of inspiration, sunflowers and their timeless wisdom can add a touch of brightness and a sense of fulfillment to our lives. Let these famous quotes about sunflowers stand as proof that our world is filled with light, optimism, and, above all, goodness.

Sunflower quotes about optimism

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It’s what the sunflowers do.” – Helen Keller
“I don’t think there’s anything on this planet that more trumpets life than the sunflower. That’s because of the reason behind its name. Not because it looks like the sun but because it follows the sun. During the course of the day, the head tracks the journey of the sun across the sky. A satellite dish for sunshine. Wherever light is, no matter how weak, these flowers will find it. And that’s such an admirable thing. And such a lesson in life.” – Helen Mirren
“Like a sunflower that follows every movement of the sun, so I turn towards you, to follow you, my God.” – John of the Cross

“The road to freedom is bordered with sunflowers.” – Martin Firrell
“The morning glories and the sunflowers turn naturally toward the light, but we have to be taught, it seems.” – Richard Rohr
“Who knows what may lie around the next corner? There may be a window somewhere ahead. It may look out on a field of sunflowers.” – Joe Hill
“Every friend is to the other a sun, and a sunflower also. He attracts and follows.” – Jean Paul

“A sunflower for my sunflower. To brighten the dark October days you hate so much. Plant some more, and be safe in the knowledge a warm and bright summer awaits.” –Cecelia Ahern
“When I went out to work today and looked a tall sunflower in the face, it smiled at me with all of its seeds.” – Vladimir Nabokov
“The flower that follows the sun does so even on cloudy days.” – Robert Leighton

Sunflower quotes about resilience

“The sunflower is a favorite emblem of constancy.” – Thomas Bulfinch
“Pick up a sunflower and count the florets running into its centre, or count the spiral scales of a pine cone or a pineapple, running from its bottom up its sides to the top, and you will find an extraordinary truth: recurring numbers, ratios and proportions.” –Charles Jencks
“Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men or animals. Some seem to smile, some have a sad expression, some are pensive and diffident, others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and hollyhock.” – Henry Ward Beecher
“The earth paints a portrait of the sun at dawn with sunflowers in bloom. Unhappy with the portrait, she erases it and paints it again and again.” – Rabindranath Tagore
“Restless sunflower; cease to move.” – Pedro Calderón de la Barca

Sunflower quotes about light

“The head of all flower heads is one flower; the sunflower in the sky, that gives the others vivid color stemming from the inside.” – Curtis Tyrone Jones
“Does she realize she looks like a sunflower, ready to rain sunlight on all who look down upon her?” – Simone Elkeles, Perfect Chemistry
“I believe there is something of the divine mystery in everything that exists. We can see it sparkle in a sunflower or a poppy.” – Jostein Gaarder
“Someone was sitting in front of a sunflower, watching the sunflower, a cup of sun, and so I tried it too. It was wonderful; I felt the whole universe in the sunflower. That was my experience. Sunflower meditation. A wonderful confidence appeared. You can see the whole universe in a flower.” – Shunryu Suzuki

sunflower quotes sunflower growing in field

“Despite knowing they won’t be here for long, they still choose to live their brightest lives — sunflowers.” – Rupi Kaur
“Bring me then the plant that points to those bright Lucidites swirling up from the earth, and life itself exhaling that central breath! Bring me the sunflower crazed with the love of light.” – Eugenio Montale
“Light-enchanted sunflower, thou who gazest ever true and tender on the sun’s revolving splendour.” – Pedro Calderón de la Barca
“Standing among the sunflowers, I craved divinity.” – Michael Paterniti
“Sweetest of the sunflowers, yeah, you’re the sun to me.” – Zach Bryan, “Sun to Me”

Sunflower gift ideas

sunflower quotes sunflower bouquet — Sunflower Bouquet

sunflower quotes Keepsake Farmhouse Sunflower Wreath — Keepsake Farmhouse Sunflower Wreath

sunflower quotes Kind Notes Sunflower for Positive Thoughts — Kind Notes ® Sunflower for Positive Thoughts

Sunflower quotes about beauty

“And the yellow sunflower by the brook, in autumn beauty stood.” – William Cullen Bryant
“And here the sunflower of the spring burns bright in the morning’s beam.” – Ebenezer Elliott
“Yellow is my favorite summer color — it makes me feel like a sunflower.” – Bria Viniate
“Her smile put the sunflower to shame.” – Jerry Spinelli, Stargirl
“I want to encourage women to embrace their own uniqueness. Because just like a rose is beautiful, so is a sunflower, so is a peony. I mean, all flowers are beautiful in their own way, and that’s like women too.” – Miranda Kerr
“Sunflower yellow is attractive no matter which season you are wearing it in.” – Rhea Pillai
“She stood out like a sunflower in a field of wheat.” – Jennifer L. Armentrout

Humorous sunflower quotes

“There are not too many fables about man’s misuse of sunflower seeds.” – Richard Brautigan
“I thought maybe I could become like the next Van Gogh. I bought a sunflower and painted it, and it looked like the work of a 6-year-old.” – Takeshi Kitano

sunflower quotes women holding sunflowers in front of face

Vincent van Gogh sunflower quotes

“The sunflower is mine, in a way.” – Vincent van Gogh
“I am working with the enthusiasm of a man from Marseilles eating bouillabaisse, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to you because I am busy painting huge sunflowers.” – Vincent van Gogh

Sunflower quotes from famous works of poetry

36. “Ah Sun-flower! weary of time,

Who countest the steps of the Sun:

Seeking after that sweet golden clime

Where the travellers journey is done.

Where the Youth pined away with desire,

And the pale Virgin shrouded in snow:

Arise from their graves and aspire,

Where my Sun-flower wishes to go.”

– William Blake, “Ah Sunflower!”

“A perfect beauty of a sunflower! a perfect excellent lovely sunflower existence! a sweet natural eye to the new hip moon, woke up alive and excited grasping in the sunset shadow sunrise golden monthly breeze!” – Allen Ginsburg, “Sunflower Sutra”

View More: https://stacygarofalophotography.pass.us/ july flowers shoot

“…we’re golden sunflowers inside, blessed by our own seed & hairy naked accomplishment-bodies growing into mad black formal sunflowers in the sunset…” – Allen Ginsburg, “Sunflower Sutra”
“Which way will the sunflower turn surrounded by millions of suns?” – Allen Ginsberg, “Howl, Kaddish and Other Poems”
“Fame is the scentless sunflower, with gaudy crown of gold; But friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes, “No Time Like the Old Time”

Sunflower quotes from movies

“I should like to change into a sunflower most of all. They’re so tall and simple.” – Ruth Gordon as Maude, “Harold and Maude”
“In my yellow room, sunflowers with purple eyes stand out on a yellow background; they bathe their stems in a yellow pot on a yellow table. In the corner of the painting, the signature of the painter: Vincent. And the yellow sun that passes through the yellow curtain of my room floods all this illumination with gold; and in the morning upon awakening from my bed, I imagine that all this smells very good.” – Oscar Isaac as Paul Gauguin, “At Eternity’s Gate”

43. Alex: I hope you like sunflowers

Mara: I love sunflowers. You know that.

Alex: Why? Why do you love sunflowers?

Mara: Because I always thought that when God was making beautiful things, He messed up with sunflowers.

Alex: How?

Mara: Well, ’cause they look like — I don’t know. They look like crooked teeth around a mouth that’s too big, kind of.

Alex: Yeah.

Mara: But…just when He was about to start over, He realized that’s what made them beautiful. They were a brilliant mistake.

Alex: Like you and me.

– Heath Ledger and Shannyn Sossamon, “The Order”

8 popular songs about sunflowers

In addition to literature and movies, numerous songs over the years have featured sunflowers. Here are eight of our favorites.

1. “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee

Post Malone, Swae Lee - Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)

2. “Sunflower” by Vampire Weekend ft. Steve Lacy

Vampire Weekend - Sunflower ft. Steve Lacy (Official Video)

3. “Sunflower” by Rex Orange County

4. “Sunflower” by Neil Diamond

5. “Sunflower, Vol. 6” by Harry Styles

Harry Styles - Sunflower, Vol. 6 (Official Audio)

6. “Sunflower” by Glen Campbell

7. “Sunflower” by Lenny Kravitz ft. Drake

Lenny Kravitz Feat. Drake - SUNFLOWER (Official Lyric Video)

8. “Sunflower” by Frank Sinatra

Sunflower Symbolism: A Deeper Look at the Meaning Behind This Cheerful Flower

sunflower symbolism women holding sunflowers

Sunflowers have long been associated with happiness and joy, but what else do these cheerful blooms represent? Various cultures around the world view sunflowers in a symbolic way, and many of them have ascribed their own meaning to this beloved flower. Let’s take a closer look at sunflower symbolism to better understand what these vibrant flowers signify.

History and origins of sunflowers

Sunflowers are believed to have originated in North America, having first been cultivated by Native American tribes for their nutritional and medicinal value. These people used sunflowers as a dye for fabrics, as well as for ornamental purposes. They also incorporated the flower heads into various rituals and ceremonies.

During the 16th century, sunflowers were introduced to Europe and quickly became popular as decorative plants. They were also used in medicinal preparations and as a food source for birds and other wildlife.

In more recent times, sunflowers have become an iconic symbol of summertime and happiness. People often give them as gifts to express feelings of admiration and affection. Additionally, the yellow petals of sunflowers are believed to represent loyalty, longevity, and friendship.

Cultural meanings and symbolism of sunflowers in different societies

Different societies throughout history have revered sunflowers for their beauty, resilience, and cheerful nature. In many cultures, these flowers represent the sun and are seen as symbols of hope and optimism.

Here are four examples of what sunflowers symbolize in different cultures.

Many Native American cultures see sunflowers as symbols of the harvest, and as representing fertility and abundance. One particular tribe, the Hopi, see sunflowers as representing prosperity and believe they bring good fortune to those who grow them.
The Chinese associate sunflowers with long life, good luck, and happiness. They often give these flowers as gifts on birthdays and other special occasions.
In Victorian England, sunflowers symbolized loyalty, longevity, and adoration. They were often used in floral arrangements for weddings and other celebrations.
In Greek mythology, Clytie, a beautiful nymph, fell in love with the sun god Helios, who abandoned her for another woman. Heartbroken, she sat on the ground and stared at the sun for nine days without food or water until she was transformed into a sunflower. Thus, to the ancient Greeks, sunflowers symbolized unrequited love, devotion, and loyalty.

sunflower symbolism sunflower lying on top of books

Sunflower meanings in art and literature

One artist, above all, has become synonymous with sunflowers: Vincent Van Gogh. In Van Gogh’s paintings, sunflowers often represent the beauty and resilience of nature. The Dutch painter admired the bright, vibrant colors of sunflowers, which he saw as a reflection of the natural world’s endless creativity. In his famous series of paintings featuring sunflowers, he captured the essence of these cheerful blooms, using bold brushstrokes and bright yellows to convey their essence.

Nineteenth century American poet Emily Dickinson also featured sunflowers in her work. In her writing, sunflowers represent the passing of time and inevitability of death. In her poem “The Sunflower,” Dickinson describes the flower as “a tall fellow / In the sunflower country / Walking along the highways / Melancholy.” Here, the sunflower’s towering height and drooping petals serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the need to savor every moment.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, sunflowers have practical uses in art and literature. Their seeds have long been used to make oil paints, which are still widely employed by artists today. Sunflowers often appear in children’s books, too, where they represent the joys of summer and power of imagination.

Sunflowers as a symbol of health, healing, and positivity

Many cultures have used sunflowers for their medicinal properties. Native Americans, for instance, would grind sunflower seeds and use them to treat kidney ailments, respiratory problems, and other medical conditions. In addition, sunflowers have also been associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits due to their high vitamin E content.

The sunflower has also become a popular symbol for cancer patients and survivors. This is partly due to the bright and optimistic energy the flower exudes, as well as its ability to thrive in harsh conditions. Many cancer patients find hope and inspiration in the sunflower’s ability to persevere and grow despite adversity.

In spiritual and metaphysical contexts, the sunflower has been linked to the solar plexus chakra, which is associated with confidence, willpower, and personal power. By meditating with sunflowers or incorporating them into one’s surroundings, it is possible to tap into the energy of the sunflower and promote greater self-esteem and vitality.

Sunflowers as a spiritual and metaphysical symbol

Sunflowers always face the sun and have come to represent that life-giving star and its energy. They also follow the sun’s path across the sky, a behavior that is said to represent a person’s ability to seek out and connect with positive energy and guidance in their life.

Sunflowers can grow tall and strong even in adverse conditions, making them symbols of longevity and resilience.

The sunflower can also be seen as a symbol of enlightenment, spiritual awakening, and personal growth. Its bright yellow petals and radiant energy are thought to bring positivity and joy into people’s lives. This makes sunflowers a popular choice for meditation and spiritual practices.

3 ways to incorporate sunflowers into your life

Sunflowers are a great addition to your home or workspace, as they bring positivity and cheerfulness wherever you put them. Here are three ways to bring sunflowers in your world.

1. Sunflower decor

Use sunflowers to brighten up your home by placing them in vases, as wall art, or even on pillows or blankets.

2. Sunflower seeds

Plant sunflowers in your garden or backyard to attract bees and other pollinators, and enjoy the bright colors they bring to your space.

3. Sunflower bouquets

Surprise a loved one with an arrangement of sunflowers to bring a smile to their face.

Top Sunflower Festivals in the US for 2023

Sunflowers have quite the storied history here in the United States. Though they originated in North America, sunflowers spent centuries traveling throughout Europe, before ultimately returning to America on their journey to becoming one of the most beloved flowers — and for good reason! One look at a sunflower’s bright, yellow bloom and you’ll understand why cities all across America are celebrating this bold and beloved flower.

Gorman Heritage Farm Sunflower Festival

Where: Evendale, Ohio
When: October 7–8

Though it’s located just minutes from downtown Cincinnati, Gorman Heritage Farm features all the charm of a small town southern farm. Every year, this 122-acre farm is transformed into a sunflower lover’s dream, with hayrides, sunflowers mazes, live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, and, of course, fields of sunflowers!

Copper Creek Sunflower Festival

Where: Calhoun, Georgia
When: June 9–July 22

Candy cannons, pig races, gem mining, and pony rides are just a few of the many exciting things happening at the Copper Creek Sunflower Festival. And while this family-friendly farm has plenty of activities, what really drives visitors to Copper Creek are its sunflower fields. Located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, these fields feature nearly a dozen different-colored sunflowers.

Lee Farms Sunflower Festival

Where: Tualatin, Oregon
When: Aug. 4–6 & 11–13

The largest sunflower festival in Oregon takes place over two weekends in August in the city of Tualatin, located just outside Portland. Lee Farms is a seven-generation family farm that has been up and running since 1869; the sunflower festival, however, is in just its fifth year, but it’s already made quite the name for itself. In addition to family-friendly activities (sunflower maze, hayrides, live music, etc.), the event features a bunch of unique experiences, including taking a yoga class and eating a six-course dinner right in the fields!

Frankfort Sunflower Festival

Where: Frankfort, Ohio
When: July 29–30

Experience Frankfort’s “down home charm” at its annual Sunflower Festival. Bring the family for a fun-filled day featuring amazing food, a car show, a fire circus, and the always popular kiddie tractor pull. There’s even a beard and mullet contest! If you’re a grower of sunflowers, you can bring your most prized plant down and enter it in the sunflower show!

Sunflower Festival at Maple Lawn Farms

Where: New Park, Pennsylvania
When: Aug. 4–6, 11–13, & 18–20

Started in 2017, this summertime extravaganza held at an eight-acre farm in southeastern Pennsylvania bills itself as the “the largest, most diverse pick-your-own sunflower patch east of the Mississippi River.” The fields contain nearly 200,000 sunflowers and are divided into cleverly named sections, including “Big Field of Yellow” (home to classic yellow sunflowers), “Land of the Giants” (where 12-foot-tall specimens reside), and “The Wilds” (an area featuring ornamental sunflowers). Of course, there’s way more to do than just admire the “big fields of yellow”: Guests can also visit a corn maze and fun park, listen to live music, and taste locally made wines (from the Maple Lawn Winery)!

13 Sunflower Fields in the US You Have to Visit

When it comes to summer flowers, the sunflower is the real showstopper. These brightly colored blooms are symbols of vitality and happiness, and giving a bouquet of them is a great way to send smiles to others.

And if receiving a single arrangement of these striking flowers makes you feel that good, just imagine what visiting an entire sunflower field is like! Standing in a field surrounded by thousands of these amazing blooms is an experience you won’t soon forget.

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy doing, read on to learn where to find the most stunning sunflower fields in the United States.

Turkovich Family Farms | Winters, California

This farm, according to Terry Selk, director of tourism for Yolo County in California (the greater Sacramento area and parts west of the city), has it all: a viewing platform setup, a farm tour, a wine tasting, and an amazing sunflower field you can explore (with purchase of a Sunflower Field Pass). Enjoy a glass of wine on the shaded patio, and then grab your camera to capture photos of sunflowers in all their glory. (Photo by Kristina Cilia)

Hydeout Bed and Breakfast | Highmore, South Dakota

South Dakota is the top sunflower producing state in the country. Pay a visit to the Hydeout Bed and Breakfast — whose owners, John and Beth Simonson, raise all types of crops on their farm, including sunflowers — and take a tour of the surrounding fields and facilities. You can learn all about how sunflowers are grown and harvested, as well as the agriculture industry in the area. You don’t even have to be a guest of the bed and breakfast to go on an excursion. (Photo by Beth Simonson)

Sunflower fields of North Dakota

After South Dakota, North Dakota is next on the list of top sunflower producing states. Many fields are visible from the road, but these are usually part of private working fields, so it is best to check with the North Dakota Tourism Division when planning your visit. It maintains a weekly “bloom update” on its website from late July through August, showing visitors where they can find the best flower fields. (Photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism)

sunflower fields with north dakota sunflower fields

Grinter Farms | Lawrence, Kansas

Kansas is known as the “Sunflower State,” so it goes without saying there are some awesome fields across the state. One of the best is at Grinter Farms in Lawrence, which boasts more than 40 acres of sunflowers. Admission to this must-see stop for photos and flower picking is free, although the farm suggests you make a donation for the flowers you take home and enjoy. (“Grinter Farms 2016” by Kansas Poetry [Patrick] is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.)

Fausett Farms | Dawsonville, Georgia

Open to the public since 1858, this family-run farm has planted over 13 acres of sunflowers on its property. The farm is also a popular stop for horse lovers: You can bring your own horse and spend the day riding the trails around the farm while soaking up the sunflowers in full bloom. Fausett Farms also offers mule-drawn wagon rides, BBQ sandwiches, and local honey. (Photo courtesy of Fausett Farms)

Buttonwood Farm | Griswold, Connecticut

The fields at Buttonwood Farm have a very special purpose. Every year, the farm plants over 14 acres of sunny blooms that produce approximately 300,000 sunflowers for its “Sunflower for Wishes” annual fundraiser — all the proceeds of which benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Connecticut. Buttonwood is also known for its small-batch ice cream, which comes in more than 50 flavors. (“ButtonWood_5956” by tivolatman is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.)

Babbette’s Seeds of Hope Sunflower Maze | Eau Claire, Wisconsin

This field was planted in honor of Babbette Jaquish, who lost her battle with cancer in 2014. It now serves as a field of hope for other patients, with a mission to raise money for organizations that engage in cancer research and support patients going through cancer treatment. The fields are open 24/7 to visitors as a place of peace and solitude. (Photo courtesy of Visit Eau Claire)

sunflower fields with babette's field of hope

Coppal House Farm | Lee, New Hampshire

The sunflower field at Coppal House Farm is the location for New Hampshire’s longest-running sunflower festival. The yearly event runs from July to August and features music, crafts, children’s story time, and, of course, sunflowers. The main field is 14 acres and is used for producing sunflower oil, which received a Good Food Award — given to exceptional food crafters who also meet certain environmental and social responsibility standards — in 2016. (Photo by John Gisis)

Maple Lawn Farms | New Park, Pennsylvania

One of the largest and most diverse “pick your own” sunflower farms in the U.S., Maple Lawn Farms boasts more than 50 different varieties of sunflowers and offers wagon rides out to the over 10 acres of bright blooms. During the month of August, it hosts a sunflower festival on the weekends, with food trucks and live music. In addition to sunflowers, festival goers can pick peaches and apples. (Photo courtesy of Maple Lawn Farms)

Schwirian Farms | Elizabeth, Pennsylvania

If you are looking for a field of sunflowers where you have the freedom to wander in and around the blooming flowers, this farm just outside Pittsburgh is the spot for you. During the Schwirian Farm Sunflower Festival in July, visitors are invited to get up close and personal with the main attraction. Another attraction of this farm? The sheep, alpacas, and horses that live on it. The owners of the farm use the wool from these animals to manufacture socks. (Photo courtesy of Schwirian Farms)

Ward’s Farm | Salem, New Jersey

This certified organic farm in southwestern New Jersey started as an organic vegetable farm in 2012 but switched to flowers in 2018. Today, it specializes in sunflowers and dahlias, and also grows stargazer lilies, gladiolus, zinnias, and cosmos. In addition to offering visitors the chance to pick their own sunflowers, the farm hosts events including “Sips, Sunflowers, and Sunsets” — a BYOB date night — and a yoga class in the sunflower field. (Photo by Allen Ward)

sunflower fields with McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area | Poolesville, Maryland

The sunflowers in these fields are planted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as a food source for mainly mourning doves, but they are also enjoyed by other songbirds as well as mammals and pollinators, such as honey bees. However, you cannot pick the flowers here, as the land is maintained by the state with the purpose of enhancing wildlife and their natural habitats. (Photo courtesy of Maryland Department of Natural Resources)

Southern Hill Farms | Clermont, Florida

When you think of sunflowers, Florida may not spring to mind, but these tall flowers can grow just about anywhere, and the Sunshine State is no exception. This 120-acre farm just outside Orlando produces a variety of fresh produce, such as blueberries and peaches, with sunflowers being a relatively new crop. Sunflowers are available to be cut and taken home during its pick-your-own events in the spring and fall. (Photo courtesy Facebook/@southernhillfarms)

sunflower fields with southern hill farms

The Cultural Significance and Symbolism of Ukrainian Flowers

The sunflower, with its large, yellow heads that reach to the sky, is as recognizable as any flower in the world. Over the centuries, this striking bloom has captured the attention of artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.

But for Ukrainians, the sunflower is much more than just a pretty plant with a happy disposition — it’s a powerful symbol of national pride and resilience.

“I grew up around the sunflower in its many forms,” says Katya Malakhova, a Boston resident who grew up in Ukraine. “My dad was a farmer who grew fields of sunflowers and made sunflower oil. For me, the flower has always been special.”

Malakhova founded Sunflower of Peace, a nonprofit organization that benefits the Ukrainian people, in 2015. Since February 2022, the organization has raised about $8 million in donations to provide medical and humanitarian aid to areas devastated by the Russian invasion.

flowers of ukraine with ukrainian flag in field of sunflowers

She recalls a trip back home to southern Ukraine just a year ago. “There was just no end to the sunflower fields; they were just limitless,” she says. “It’s very magical to see the fields of sunflowers.”

Today, Malakhova’s hometown of Nova Kakhovka is occupied by the Russians, and its future is uncertain. After living in a bomb shelter for weeks, her mother and sister fled to safety in another part of the country. In addition to her concern for family and friends, Malakhova grieves for the fields her late father tended with care for so many years.

However, the flower that once grew there in such abundance gives Malakhova a sense of hope. “A week ago, a friend gave me some sunflowers,” she explains. “Instead of throwing them out when they started to fade, I placed them out in the sun.

“They blossomed again in the sun, and that gave me the feeling that we are going to win the war. … Just as the sun goes down, it comes up again.”

Ukraine’s national flower

After their explorations of the new world, Spaniards brought sunflowers to Europe in the early 17th century. Historians believe the plant made its way to Ukraine by the mid-18th century. The region’s dry, arid climate proved suitable for the plant, and Ukrainians soon began eating sunflower seeds and crushing them to make oil.

This flower has an international language. Everyone likes it, and it reminds me of my roots.

Olga Nikolaenko

Ukrainian native and owner of Livilove Flowers

Sunflower oil, a popular alternative to butter and lard, grew to become a significant part of the Ukrainian economy. Before the current crisis, Ukraine and Russia provided 75 percent of the global exports of sunflower seeds. In 2021, Ukraine was the world’s largest source of sunflower oil, providing one-third of the world’s supply.

Over the years, the bright flower also has played an increasingly important role in everyday Ukrainian life. Sunflowers are prominently displayed in festive celebrations, as decorations woven into clothing, wreaths, and headdresses.

Further, Ukrainians view the vibrant flower as a symbol of peace and resilience. After the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster in 1986, Ukrainians planted sunflowers in the devastated area. The flowers not only represented renewal and hope, but they helped extract toxins from the soil.

A decade later, Ukrainians planted a field of sunflowers to celebrate the dismantlement of a nuclear missile base in Pervomaysk, Ukraine.

The sunflower in today’s climate

As the conflict in Ukraine persists, the sunflower has once again taken its place as a symbol of Ukrainian strength and resolve.

Photo of a woman holding sunflowers next to her flower tattoo

A video clip that went viral in the early days of the Russian invasion shows a Ukrainian woman giving sunflower seeds to armed Russian soldiers. “Take these seeds, so sunflowers grow here when you die,” she told the soldiers.

Here in the U.S., interest in the sunflower also has been high, and displaying or wearing sunflowers has become a way to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

“Sometimes I make designs with sunflowers, as this flower has an international language,” says Olga Nikolaenko, a Ukrainian native who owns Livilove Flowers in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Everyone likes it, and it reminds me of my roots.

“When I was a little girl, I loved to travel with my parents out of town, across the country, and look at the whole fields of sunflowers from the car. … The sunflower is a symbol of the sun, love of life, optimism, faith in the future, good luck, and prosperity.”

Other flowers of significance to Ukraine

Although the sunflower is the flower most closely associated with Ukraine, the country also has strong ties to other plants.

Nikolaenko says that the lilac, mallow, peony, magnolia, and chamomile are also important to Ukrainian culture. Here’s a little more about those connections.

Lilac

The M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden in Kyiv features more than 20 different cultivars of lilac and more than 1,000 individual lilac bushes. Lilacs also grow wild in Ukraine’s woodlands and hills, filling the countryside with lush, sweet scents in the spring.

Mallow

Mallows have a special place in Ukrainian culture, serving as a symbol of love for the motherland. According to Ukrainian folklore, the good souls of ancestors settle on the mallow flowers and protect the inhabitants of a house. The colorful flowers have found their way into Ukrainian poetry and song lyrics, including the lovely “Ballad of the Mallows” by the composer Volodymyr Ivasyuk.

Peony

When woven into a Ukrainian headdress, a stunning peony bloom represents longevity and good health. Peonies only bloom from April to June in Ukraine, making them even more special.

Magnolia

Graceful, flowering magnolia trees grace many of the public parks and botanical gardens in Ukraine, including the National Botanical Garden and A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden. Along with cherry trees, the magnolia has come to symbolize the beauty and rebirth of spring for Ukrainians.

Chamomile

The chamomile, with its bright daisy-like flowers, grows wild in many parts of Ukraine. This flower symbolizes goodness and health, and chamomile teas and other concoctions are widely used in Ukrainian folk medicine.

Nikoleanko says, “I always like to use them (flowers with significance to Ukraine) in my arrangements or event decorations, as each has its own unique character, look, color, and charm.”

Sunflower Facts: 11 Things You Didn’t Know About This Iconic Bloom

sunflower facts with man giving sunflowers to girlfriend

The sunflower is one of the most interesting and unique flowers on earth, one that has delighted and inspired humans for millennia. A cousin of the daisy, the sunflower is a member of the Aster (Asteraceae), or Composite (Compositae), plant family, a group of more than 32,000 formally recognized species with more than 1,900 genera, or types.

The common sunflower is most often recognized by its large head, fuzzy stalk, vibrant yellow petals, and large, round dark center; however, there are more than 70 varieties that come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. The American Giant, for example, can grow as high as 14 to 16 feet tall, whereas the cute, pouf-like Teddy Bear Dwarf maxes out at 3 feet in height. The plant’s color palettes include myriad shades of red, purple, orange, and brown. Additionally, a single sunflower can produce up to 2,000 seeds — talk about an extended family!

Dig deeper into this remarkable flower with these 11 sunflower facts.

1. World travelers

The sunflower was originally discovered, and subsequently grown, around 4500 B.C. by indigenous tribes in North America. It was used for food and medicinal purposes by its cultivators, who extracted its seeds and petals to make flour and meal, oil, paint, and dye, and to treat maladies including chest paints, rheumatism, and sunstroke. They also used the stalks as a building material.

When European explorers arrived in the New World in the 1500s, they were so captivated by the sunflower that they harvested thousands of its seeds and exported them back to their home continent. Rather than use the flowers for practical purposes, however, the Europeans of that time employed sunflowers primarily for decorative and ornamental means.

The sunflower grew in popularity and demand over the next 300 years continued to make its way across Europe and into Russia. By the early 19^th century, the benefits of sunflower oil became more widely recognized, particularly in Russia, where nearly 2 million acres of farmland were dedicated to growing sunflowers for seed extraction.

2. Coming full circle

By the late 1800s, Russian immigrants began arriving en masse on North American shores, bringing with them a new, larger variety of sunflower from their homeland. Dubbed the “Mammoth Russian,” this colossal flower — rich in protein and nutrients — became a staple with U.S. farmers. The hardy stalks were burned for fuel, while the seeds were ground and mixed into animal feed. This renewed demand for sunflowers increased cultivation in the U.S., and by the 1920s, the flower had become a commodity.

3. The Sunflower State

During the North American sunflower boon, the flower grew wildly and abundantly in Kansas. While most appreciated its beauty and utility, the state legislature passed a law in 1895 declaring the sunflower a “noxious weed” to be eliminated. Nevertheless, its popularity persisted, and in 1903, Senator George P. Morehouse drafted a bill designating the sunflower the state’s official bloom. The bill was signed into law March 12, 1903, and Kansas thereafter became known as the Sunflower State.

sunflower facts with woman standing in sunflower field during sunset

4. What’s in a name?

Officially known as the helianthus annuus, the sunflower derived its name from the Greek root words helia, meaning “sun,” and anthos, meaning “flower.” While it may boast sun-like characteristics in its appearance, the sunflower was not actually named for the sun. Sunflowers are heliotropic, meaning they track with the movement of the sun from east to west before returning to an eastward-facing position after sunset. This phenomenon occurs only in young buds. Once the plant has flowered and is plentiful in seeds, it assumes a fixed position facing east.

sunflower facts with closeup of a sunflower

5. A sum of its parts

At first glance, this cheerful golden-hued bloom appears to consist of hundreds of silky petals surrounding a dense, coarse center. But the sunflower is, in fact, made up of thousands of tiny individual flowers. That dark center consists of disk florets: little flowers, each consisting of five tiny dark petals folded into an oblong-shaped tube. Its colorful “petals,” meanwhile, aren’t really petals at all. They are known as ray florets: more tiny flowers that compose the vibrant outer ring.

6. Good day, sunshine

As heliotropic flowers that call to mind the sun, sunflowers signify loyalty, devotion, and admiration, as well as warmth and happiness. In some Asian cultures, sunflowers also are believed to bring good fortune and foster healing.

7. Reverence and respect

The sunflower was a significant symbol in ancient Aztec and Inca culture. It has been said that both civilizations worshipped sunflowers as sun gods; moreover, images of sunflowers were depicted on the shields of warriors, a sign that the flower was also a sign of war and military might.

8. Family drama

The sunflower has ties to Greek mythology, in the story of Apollo, god of the sun, and Clytie, his love. In this myth, Apollo is captivated by the beauty of Clytie’s sister, Leucothoe, but the sisters’ father, the king, forbids the union. When Clytie learns of a secret meeting between Apollo and Leucothoe, she succumbs to a fit of jealousy and reveals the rendezvous to the king. Outraged, the king has Leucothoe buried alive. A heartbroken Apollo refuses to forgive Clytie, who subsequently starts to wither in grief. In an act of final revenge for her cruelty, Apollo turns Clytie into a sunflower.

sunflower facts with sunflower painting by vincent van gogh

9. Art of the sunflower

Known as the “painter of sunflowers,” post-impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh selected this subject as his muse at a time when his contemporaries were painting more traditional floral still lifes in less vibrant palettes. He completed dozens of sunflower paintings and was thrilled to discover that his friend, mentor, and fellow artist, Paul Gauguin, also admired them greatly. Upon learning of Gauguin’s intent to visit his artist colony, van Gogh painted several more sunflower still lifes and hung them in Gauguin’s guest room. When Gauguin saw the paintings, he remarked that they were “completely Vincent.”

10. Good things happen in threes

Sunflowers are the traditional celebratory flower of the third wedding anniversary. The sunflower head relies on its sturdy stalk to provide a supportive foundation for growth —a metaphor that represents the strong bonds of marriage.

11. World’s tallest sunflower

No article about sunflowers would be complete without revealing the world record holder for the tallest specimen on earth! That distinction goes to Hans-Peter Schiffer of Karst, Germany, who, in August 2014, needed to call in the support of the local fire department to scaffold his plant so that its height could be accurately recorded. The result was a whopping 30 feet, 1 inch. Schiffer also holds the three previous world records for tallest sunflower, those coming in 2009 (26 feet, 4 inches), 2012 (27 feet), and 2013 (28 feet, 8 inches). Talk about a green thumb!

How to Grow, Handle, and Care for Sunflowers

Sunflowers come in a variety of colors and sizes, but the most familiar type is the annual sunflower that grows to 10-feet tall. It has thick, fuzzy stems, heart-shaped leaves, and bright yellow petals circling the flat flower head, from which small, fertile flowers bloom and develop into seeds that make for good snacking (read until the end to find out how to dry them yourself).

These beautiful, colorful flowers can enhance any garden or living space — if you take care of them the right way.

Growing sunflowers in a garden

You can grow sunflowers from seeds or small plants that you buy. They are either annual or perennial, depending on the variety and region where they are grown. Many sunflower varieties are perennial in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, and some are annual or grown as annuals.

Choosing the right spot

care for sunflowers with sunflowers growing in the sun

True to their name, sunflowers love the sun and will bend to follow it as it moves across the sky. Choose a spot in the garden that gets six to eight hours of sunshine a day. Tall sunflowers are stunning against a bright fence or wall, and shorter varieties, with smaller flowers in yellow, orange, maroon, or brown colors, liven up a sunny bed or border. They bloom all summer into fall, providing consistently bright colors to the garden as other flowers bloom and fade.

Planting your sunflowers

Your sunny spot needs to have loose, well-draining soil that allows the sunflower’s roots to easily grow down and establish strong support for the tall plant. If you’re seeding sunflowers directly into the ground, dig a hole 12 to 24 inches deep, and mix in some compost or other organic matter with the native soil.

care for sunflowers with couple watering seedlings

Plant the seeds two to three weeks before the last predicted frost. Drop them into holes 1 to 2 inches deep and water them thoroughly. You can plant multiple seeds to give yourself the best chance for a healthy crop; after they’ve grown to about 6 inches tall, thin out the weakest, smallest seedlings. Tall sunflowers will need to be thinned to 1 to 2 feet apart, but smaller varieties can be thinned closer together. You can gauge the best distance apart by how tall or branching your varieties will be.

If you want to start the seeds inside, plant them in a loose seed-starting mix five to seven weeks before the last expected frost. It will take them about seven to 10 days to sprout. Then, after the date of the last estimated frost, acclimate the seedlings to the cold weather by setting them outside a week before you want to plant them. Dig small holes and gently transfer the seedlings from their starting pots to the soil. Water them thoroughly.

Small plants bought at a garden center can be set in the garden in the late spring or early summer. Tall sunflowers should be set 1 to 2 feet apart; smaller varieties can be set closer. Water them well, and watch them grow.

Care after planting

Sunflowers don’t require a lot of care since they’re drought and heat tolerant, and resistant to pests. They are, however, heavy feeders. You can add a weak dilution of liquid fertilizer at planting to encourage good root growth, and then apply a liquid fertilizer monthly throughout the growing season. Sunflowers tolerate periods of drought, but they will be healthier and produce larger flowers if their soil is moist. When you water, stay a good 3 to 5 inches from the stems of the plants to prevent fungal disease. As an alternative, you can mix a circle of slow-release, granular fertilizer into the soil around the plants once in the spring.

Growing sunflowers in containers

care for sunflowers with sunflowers growing in a container

Shorter varieties of sunflowers can grow very well in containers. They will need a good-quality, well-draining potting mix and a big enough pot so that their taproots can develop. Sunflowers that grow up to 2-feet tall will need 10-to-12-inch pots, and those that grow to 4 or 5 feet or more will need 3-to-5-gallon pots. Make sure the pot is deep and has at least one drainage hole to keep the roots healthy and prevent root rot.

Set the pot in a bright spot that gets sun for a good portion of the day. When the soil is dry, water 1 to 2 inches down from the top. Fertilize with a weak liquid fertilizer two to three times over the spring and summer or work some slow-release fertilizer into the soil once in the spring. Take care to keep both the water and fertilizer away from the stems of the plant to keep them from developing a fungal disease.

How to prepare a cut sunflower

Cutting sunflowers early in the morning will give you the best chance for fresh flowers that haven’t wilted in the heat and sun. Use a clean, sharp knife or clippers and trim the ends at an angle before putting them in a vase.

Choose a clean vase that is tall enough to support the stems, and fill the vase with lukewarm water. The flowers should last about a week if you change the water every day. Keep them in a cool part of the house, away from direct sunlight.

Drying sunflowers for seeds

Sunflower seeds are a healthy snack for people as well as wild birds, and harvesting them from your flowers is a simple procedure. The traditional tall sunflower varieties with large flower heads are better for seeds than the new hybrids that have been developed for their smaller, colorful, ornamental flowers.

care for sunflowers with girl holding sunflower seed

Toward the end of the summer, when the leaves are wilted and have turned yellow, and the petals are drooping and going by, the seeds should be brown and plump, and ready for harvesting.

Cut the stalks about a foot down from the flowers and either hang them up or set them out to dry for about five days. If they’re drying outside, be sure to cover them so birds won’t get to them before you do.

After that time, rub the seeds off with gloves or a tool, and collect them in a pan. Spread the seeds out so they are all exposed to the air and pick out any dried petals or leaves. Let them sit overnight to dry further, and voila! You have your own homegrown, healthy snack.

How to Make a Sunflower Topiary

Sunflowers are one of the most popular flowers out there, and for good reason. Their shape and bright yellow, orange, and red petals are symbolic of the sun. These instantly recognizable flowers symbolize radiant happiness and all things positive.

Many different varieties of sunflowers exist, as do ways to use these flowers to decorate your home. The topiary design is an easy way to display these cheerful blooms. You can use this one design technique to create many different looks and styles, depending on the size and shape of the sunflowers you use, whether you incorporate foliage and other floral varieties, and any accessories you add, such as ribbon, raffia, etc.

The container you use contributes to the final look, too. A terra cotta planter gives a nice rustic garden look, while a white ceramic wine cooler, such as the ones pictured above, feel brighter and lighter.

Making a sunflower topiary is easier than it looks. Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials

Container (if the container isn’t waterproof, you’ll need to use a liner, such as a plastic bag)
Floral foam
Sunflowers (at least six stems)
Waterproof tape
Raffia or ribbon
Moss

Instructions for making a sunflower topiary

sunflower topiary with fitting foam in container

Cut a piece of floral foam to fit the size of your container and soak thoroughly before placing it in the pot. If the container you’re using isn’t waterproof (this terra cotta pot has a drainage hole on the bottom), you’ll need to line it first. A plastic bag will do the trick.

sunflower topiary with choosing sunflowers

Choose six long-stem sunflowers with similar size heads.

sunflower topiary with gathering sunflowers

Gather the sunflowers in your hand, one by one, with one in the middle and the other five placed around and slightly below the middle one.

Using waterproof tape, wrap the stems together first at the top of the stems right under the heads of the sunflowers…

sunflower topiary with wrapping stems again

…and again near the bottom of the stems.

sunflower topiary with covering tape with raffia or ribbon

Use raffia or ribbon to cover your tape and to add a decorative touch.

sunflower topiary with wrapping bouquet with ribbon

Continue bringing the ribbon down to the bottom of the stems to wrap the bouquet together tightly.

Cut the bottom of each stem on an angle.

sunflower topiary with inserting stems into foam

Insert the stems into the wet foam.

sunflower topiary with covering foam with moss

Cover the foam around the stems with moss. You can also add additional flowers, fruit, or other decorative elements.

And that’s it! Your finished sunflower topiary is ready to be displayed.

Remember to add water to your sunflower arrangements daily, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week.

Sunflower Decor Ideas

The sunflower is a symbol of happiness, strength, loyalty, and adoration. Because the sunflower always turns its face to the sun, it has also come to symbolize faith and the constant search for light, or enlightenment. All in all, it is one of the most beloved flowers on the planet.

Its overwhelming popularity also makes it a popular choice for decorating. These two sunflower decor ideas are the perfect way to incorporate the irresistible beauty and warmth of the sunflower into your next summer get-together.

Vintage sunflower tabletop

sunflower decor with Sunflower Tablescape with DIY Placemats

This fall-themed tabletop features vases and placemats that play into the sunflower theme, and can be assembled in mere minutes.

Use antique single-flower vases

For an updated twist on a traditional centerpiece, line an assortment of vintage-style green and yellow bottles, each holding a single sunflower, down the center of the table. This creates a garden of sunflowers with their faces looking up at the sun!

How to make sunflower placemats

Sunflowers come in many different colors and sizes, from mini to giant. These super-size sunflower placemats make a big impact and are so easy to make!

Materials

sunflower decor with Supplies for DIY Sunflower Placemats

Cardboard circle (approximately 10 inches in diameter)
Salal leaves (20 to 25 leaves in various sizes; fake leaves can work too for a longer-lasting placemat)
Glue
Yellow spray paint
Brown paint
Sponge

Instructions

Step 1

Cut one cardboard circle for each placemat. (This is a good use for old cardboard boxes!) Each circle should be about 10 inches in diameter. I used a dinner plate as a template to trace a circle onto the cardboard, which worked perfectly. Use the sponge to add brown paint to your circle, leaving a bit of the original cardboard color showing through to create a textured look for your sunflower center.

sunflower decor with DIY Sunflower Placemats

Step 2

Cut all the salal leaves from the stem and spray paint them yellow. Once they have dried, glue the wider end of the larger-sized leaves to the edge of the cardboard circle.

Step 3

Glue the smaller leaves between each of the larger leaves.

With fresh salal leaves, the sunflower placemats can be made a day or two before you plan to use them. Keep them flat and in a cool place.

These super fun sunflower decor ideas will help set the mood at a summer party and add a brightness and whimsy to the proceedings. After all, everyone is happier around sunflowers!