The results are in!

Throughout the summer months, the sunflower population on BHAS plots has been impressive with some absolutely stunning displays. It’s the perfect time, given this week’s wet weather, to revisit some of the impressive yellow giants seen on the East Sheen allotments.

Amazing displays

First Competition

The 2020 Sunflower Competition was originally intended to be a new addition to the BHAS Annual Show traditionally held in September, adding two categories for height and biggest seed head; to mark the new categories, in March, Mongolian Giant sunflower seeds were donated to the Trading Shed by Dino Franz from Hertford 26 and offered for free until they were all claimed.

Due to COVID-19, the Annual Show in September did not go forward, but a virtual growing competition was organised for a bit of lockdown fun.

Entries were submitted through an online form from mid-August through the end of September. Without any further ado, the results are below.

The 2020 Sunflower Competition winners

Tallest Sunflower Plant

Measured from the base of the stem (not including the roots) to the top of the head. The head can be extended to measure the full height of the plant. 

🌻 Winner: Susan Borrett, Triangle 8A – 3960mm tall

🥈Runner up: John Padgett, Hertford 41a – 3720mm tall

Biggest Sunflower Head

Measure the diameter of the seed head. The flower petals should not be included.  

🌻 Winner: Juan Ramlill, Pavillion 6b – 400mm in diameter

🥈Runner up: John Padgett, Hertford 41a – 370mm in diameter

Thanks to everyone for the beautiful display of sunflowers on our plots and your entries; congratulations to the winners. I think we can agree it was a close competition and fun distraction during lockdown and attracted countless beneficial pollinators and bugs to our plots.

The BHAS Committee looks forward to seeing next years’ sunflowers!

-Sarah W, Hertford 26