For Ukrainians, the sunflower always had a special place in her heart as national flower. However, since the Russian invasion in February, people all over the world have adopted the sunflower as a symbol of support for ukraine.
In addition to growing sunflowers, many companies sell bouquets and seeds to raise funds for those affected by the conflict. The Moorland Flower Co. in Devon, for example, sells sunflower seeds to support the ukraine red cross.
“In Ukraine, sunflowers mean peace.“, says Toby Buckland, gardener, gardening expert, TV presenter (formerly Gardeners’ World) and author of Amateur Gardening. ‘And although this may be a distant dream, planting sunflowers is a show of solidarity and a prayer of thanks for the freedom, equality and fraternity we enjoy.’
See too
What is Ukraine’s relationship with sunflower
The connection between the sunflower and the Ukrainian resistance came to the world’s attention when a video of a Ukrainian woman telling armed Russian soldiers on Ukrainian soil to «take these seeds so sunflowers will grow here when you die», reported by BBC News, went viral. However, sunflowers have always been important to Ukrainians.
The flag blue and yellow not only does it mimic the vibrant color of sunflowers against a clear sky, but sunflowers make up a huge part of the Ukrainian economy. The country is one of world’s largest suppliers of sunflower oil.
Sunflowers have been grown in Ukraine since the 1700s. Sunflower oil has become an important aspect of everyday life in the country because the Church has not banned it during Lent.
Since then, it has become a constant in Ukrainian homes and has become the Ukrainian national flower. Many families grow the colorful flowers in their gardens, collecting flower seeds to eat as a snack. Women also often weave sunflowers into their clothing on special occasions.
The sunflower was once used as a symbol of peace in Ukraine. In June 1966, US, Russian, and Ukrainian defense ministers planted sunflowers at the Pervomaysk missile base in Ukraine in a ceremony to mark Ukraine’s renunciation of nuclear weapons.
As well as showing your support by growing sunflowers, there are many charities that take donations to help Ukrainians. Below are recommended organizations that accept donations:
*Via Gardening Etc