Expert: C.L. Fornari - 7/25/2007

Question
My wife sent me a picture of  sun flower that started growing not planted in front of our house. The flower is 13-15 feet tall and I have never seen a wild sun flower grow that big. Is this a normal thing that I am unaware of or could it be a mutant flower? I have pictures if you are interested in seeing them. Sorry, I know this isn't the normal questions you probably get. Mike-Al Taqaddum, Iraq

Answer
Mike,
Although I've never seen a sunflower 15 feet tall, it's possible that under the right conditions a sunflower could grow this large.  Nature is always very interesting this way...plants can be unusually tall one season and short the next. If this tall one makes seeds it might be fun to save some of them and plant them next season.  Maybe the seeds will produce plants that are also very tall, or maybe not...but it would be interesting to see what happens!

This, after all, is how new plants are discovered - someone notices something that is growing in a way that is unique or different from the norm.  And when curious and observant people make note and save cuttings or seeds, sometimes these new plants go on to be favorites in gardens for years to come.

May gardens always bring you joy,
C.L.