The Buzz from the Great Sunflower Project
Hi Everyone!
It's been an exciting spring. The Great Sunflower Project (www.greatsunflower.org) has almost 30,000 participants and people are planting in every state in the United States and every province in Canada. Wow!
We've had a few issues getting seeds out and appreciate your patience. We originally planned to have four of us stuffing all the envelopes! When we had 12,000 people sign up in one week, we realized we needed another plan. At the same time, we tested the seeds that American meadows had sent us. Instead of the guaranteed 80% germination rate, we planted 102 seeds and got SIX plants. I have to say that this was about my worst nightmare.
Fortunately, American meadows has replaced the seed and sent us a new shipment of packets. So, if you haven't received your packet of seeds yet, they are being mailed tomorrow from San Francisco. I haven't had the opportunity to test these seeds but American meadows says 80% germination - again.... I've got my fingers crossed.
If you have planted your seeds and had poor germination, please send an email to sfbee@sfsu.edu or call 415-405-2409 (our new phone number) and Fern or Shanon will send you a new packet. We've got them all ready to go!
On the bee news front, one of my former students, Quinn McFrederick, just published a study showing that pollution may cause the scents produced by flowers to deteriorate quickly making it much harder for bees to hone in on flowers. Bees follow what we call "scent trails" to a plant. Some of the chemicals produced by flowers can create a scent trail that extends for almost half a mile. What a different way to encounter the world!
Let us know what we can do to help you with the project! We're thrilled you've joined us.
Gretchen
www.greatsunflower.org
Comments
No germination
No germination at all! And the other varieties I planted were all consumed shortly after gemination. Assuming you try again next year a better strategy (for me at least) will be to get them started inside or in a well protected area and then put the plants out when they are too large for their predators. Bummer.
I have seen bees on my non-sunflower plants including a few other yellow composites but I'm sure that won't help.
poor germination
My packet of sunflower seeds arrived about a month ago and I planted them in cell packs on my deck to protect them from the wildlife. Only one seed germinated, I will admit that what came in the packet looked more like seed parts than seeds but I was not going to let that stop me. This is a disappointment to me as I am a very concerned about bee populations and want to do my share to contribute to the study of this necessary part of our natural environment. I do see bees on many of my other plants so am encouraged by this. It is a shame that the bee count has to be limited to this particular type of plant which is not a natural part of the wildlife in our area.
germination
I planted my seeds 5/10 and got 4 seedlings. Three are about 8" high and the fourth a bit shorter. So far they look good and I don't think the wild turkeys are getting them. No sign of buds yet, but can't wait!
Sandie
germination??
Hi, I planted the seeds over a week ago, and no sign of germination. I'll try again. I also planted some chocolate sunflowers and they came up just fine. any others having difficulty with germination?
Karen
germination issues here too
I put the seeds in over 4 weeks ago, and haven't seen any sign of germination either, however I believe my lack of visible sprouts might be due to chipmunks, as I put down some Mammoth variety also, and they dissapeared shortly after sprouting.
Anyone?
Seed Packet
I haven't gotten my seeds yet so I am anxiously awaiting... Meanwhile, I have already planted my sunflowers as I do every year - born and raised in Kansas so I have to have them in my yard. Since I live in Illinois, it takes a long time for sunflowers to grow and show their magnificent "faces" so I am a little impatient about waiting for the seeds. Would I be able to use the sunflowers I have already planted for the study? I do understand the delay and I hope the cause for the decreased bee population is discovered and a that a cure is found quickly!
Planted in SF
I got my seeds last week and just planted them in my backyard. Hope to have flowers soon and begin reporting observations in the coming weeks.
Can't wait!!
I look forward to receiving and planting my seeds!
Seeds arrived at the Tater Patch in East TN
Our packet came last week. THANK YOU!!! The Tater Patch will get on it, later this week. Will keep you all posted!
Received my seeds yesterday too
I received my seeds yesterday too, 05/24/08. I'll try to plant them today. Have only been seeing mason bees and bumblebees so far this spring, but we've had a lot of late cold weather. CathyB
got my seeds
My packet came yesterday and we will be planting our seeds today!
I live just outside Sioux Falls, SD.
I got my seeds!
I finally got my seeds today. I live in Atlanta, GA. I'm really excited.
Thanks!
Susan
No Seeds
I live in North Florida, No seeds yet!
Still no seeds.
I also haven't received any seeds. May 22. I live in Atlanta, GA.
Thanks,
Susan
no seeds yet. May 21
naltieri
I live in Tehachapi, Ca. no seeds.
Thanks,
Nick
no seeds
Hi,
Just wanted to echo that I haven't received seeds either.
I'm in NC.
We did plant some other sunflower seeds (not many) and I wondered if we needed to use particular sunflower seeds to participate. How many different kinds of sunflowers are there? And do bees prefer a particular type?
Anyway, whether we receive seeds or can just buy our own, we'd still like to participate!
Thanks!
Jennifer
Seeds
Do yu need help? I go to SFSU and can come in and help you out if needed. I'm a REcreation & Leisure Major and this would be a great project to help you with. Still haven't recieved seeds.
Seeds
I live 20 miles from San Francisco and have not received any seeds in full week.
pony express shipping still?
Well I have quit watching for the mail person. My seeds still have not arrived. Maybe TX is further from CA than I thought. Sad part it is going to get hotter yet here so I hope I'm not stuck in our dead heat doing this project.
Sunflower Seeds
The seeds from the packet didn't germinate but I have plenty of volunteers from the seeds that I put out for the birds. I'm looking forward to the count. Carole
noi seeds
i still have no seeds.i also sent a reply and i cant find that either.
momoose58
Bees and a Look at Humanism
Hi Everyone! I just wanted to share that I am writing my final research paper (SFSU Student) on CCD and how it can be analogous to the humanist aspirations of humanity (positive and negative). But from doing my research the problem is deeper than what it is (in my opinion). Our impact on this planet is so destructive that we are causing a decline in a creature that has been on this planet longer than humanity. So with that said keep up the good fight everyone!
O yes...has anyone else been inspired, if not doing it already, to transform other people's gardens (with their permission of course) into bee sanctuaries? Meaning planting the plants for them and maintaining the garden to be bee welcoming and friendly. I see front yards that are barren and could be put to much better use and used for a good cause: saving bees and maintaining their food supply and populations.
Comments?
Butterflies
Hi,
I think you are speaking to me??? But it was butterflies not bees.
I actually "invaded" 2 of my neighbor's abondant planter pot with permission today. I planted Milkweed in them.
It is the food sourse of beautiful Monarch butterflies. You can go to livemonarch.com to make a small donation to get milkweed seeds or send a self address return envelope to request free seeds. I learned this at the environmental center of my town on EARTH DAY.
I also think people need more education, I never think of the importance of BEEs until I accidientally visit this
Sunflower project website. I always think about trees, bushes which use CO2 and give Oxygen, not really flowers.
And my favorite flower is tomato flowers which will give me tomatos :)
I did plants some flowers for the bees, I hope the bees will like them.