Sunflowers provide food and shelter to many different kinds of insects, including bees and butterflies. So why grow sunflowers? Here are six reasons why you should add them to your garden this year.

1. Sunflowers are incredibly important to bees.

Not only do they pollinate sunflower plants, but they will also be attracted to your garden and help you pollinate other flowers and crops. These bright, beautiful flowers are key for supporting a diverse ecosystem of animals. If you’re looking for a great way to bring more wildlife into your backyard, planting sunflowers is one of your best bets. Read on to learn about some more reasons why you should grow sunflowers!

2. Growing Sunflowers Helps Pollinate Other Flowers

If you’re growing other flowers or fruit and vegetable plants that rely on bees to pollinate, there’s a good chance your blooms will be healthier if you grow sunflowers nearby. The large, bright yellow flowers attract lots of honeybees; they hover around sunflower heads as they drink nectar from inside each of its petals. Bees carry pollen from flower to flower; when they leave a sunflower, some pollen rubs off onto their bodies and sticks to whatever flowers they visit next. By planting them next to other types of vegetation, you’ll help your plants get a little more love.

3. Flowers Provide Beauty All Summer Long

When you walk through your garden, you’ll be reminded of summer every time. Beautiful flowers provide a colorful addition to any outdoor space all summer long. Not only that, but it will brighten your day each time you look out at them. The combination of a colorful space and happy thoughts can reduce stress levels and even help with depression. Since sunflowers are such hardy plants, they also require minimal care and maintenance. This makes them easy to grow and ideal for people with little free time on their hands. They also bloom quickly, making them ideal as quick additions to your landscape. Most types of sunflower take about one month from planting to blooming, which is perfect if you’re hoping for an instant upgrade in your outdoor space.

4. Gardening is a fun activity that can help you de-stress and unwind from your hectic day

The sunflower is one of gardening’s best flowers to grow as it attracts pollinators while growing into tall, beautiful blooms. Gardening not only is enjoyable but also allows you to take control of your lifestyle by knowing exactly what goes into your food and how it’s grown. Plus, how many people do you know who have growing sunflowers in their yard? When people come over to visit your home, they are sure to admire your plants and will surely want some for themselves!

5. Sunflowers are a Great Snack

Sunflower seeds are packed with protein and healthy fats, as well as iron, magnesium, zinc and copper. These nutrients not only help keep your body energized but also support brain health. In fact, research suggests that people who eat a handful of sunflower seeds every day may experience slower mental decline due to aging and disease. Simply roast sunflower seeds before eating to bring out their nutty flavor and crunchy texture. If you’re making an appetizer for a party or get-together, they can be mixed with salt or cinnamon sugar for added flavor. Or try sprinkling them over salads or other dishes for an additional dose of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.