My first sunflower to blossom this year.  I took the above photo on July 10th, and below is a closeup of the same flower.

I grew this plant from seed and there are several more that were planted later in the spring, getting ready to open.

It’s hard to believe, but I took this 3rd photo today. It’s been a very hot summer so far, and this first sunflower did not last as long as they usually do. I gave it plenty of water, but it was a short season for this beauty. I am sad to see it dry up so quickly.

The only good news, is that once this flower is completely dried, I will be able to harvest many seeds, for next year’s crop. That is unless the local birds beat me to them. I will then store the seeds safely away until next spring.