Solsikke

Solsikke, the Danish name for the sunflower, refers to the flowering plant Helianthus annuus in the aster family. It is an annual native to North America and is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes as well as for its seeds and the oil extracted from them.

Typical plants reach 1.5 to 3 meters in height and have a stout, hairy stem with large, broad leaves. The inflorescence is a single flower head composed of yellow ray florets around a dark central disk. The seedhead forms as the disk florets mature, producing edible seeds arranged inside the head.

Young sunflowers exhibit heliotropism, with flower heads tracking the sun during the day. As they mature, heads generally orient toward the east. The plant is largely insect-pollinated, and seeds develop after pollination.

Cultivation and use: Solsikke is grown in temperate regions worldwide. It is planted in spring after the danger of frost. The primary products are sunflower oil and edible seeds, which can be eaten raw or roasted. The seeds are also used as livestock feed, and the remaining meal is a protein source for animal nutrition. Ornamental varieties are popular in gardens.

History: Solsikke was domesticated by Native American peoples in what is now the United States and Mexico. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century and subsequently bred for larger seeds and higher oil content. In the 19th and 20th centuries, sunflowers became a major agricultural crop in many regions, with Russia and Ukraine historically among the leading producers. Today sunflowers are grown worldwide for oil, seeds, and ornament.