4-H youth learn plant science in the "grow a monster" mammoth sunflower challenge

In May, over 600 4-H'ers across Minnesota took on the challenge to "grow a monster" mammoth sunflower. 

The participating youth members received seeds, provided through a partnership with Runnings, and instructions on how to plant and care for mammoth sunflowers throughout the summer. 

The focus of the 4-H challenge was to guide youth in learning what it takes to care for plants from germination to harvest. 

University of Minnesota Extension educators from Lincoln and Lyon counties and the state 4-H plant science team offered Zoom sessions to expand the youth members' learning beyond the self-led learning guide and biweekly check-in emails. 

In addition to learning about the plant growth stages, the participating youth also explored careers associated with sunflowers and made their own edible seeds and bird feed from their sunflower harvest.

A number of the participants used this experience to create exhibits that were judged at their county fairs and other 4-H showcase events.

"It was amazing to see the over 45 showcase entries of finished projects towering over the youth," said Sam Jens, Extension 4-H youth development educator in Lyon County. "As with any program, there are challenges. Some youth indicated that they had a hard time keeping pests away from their projects." 

One participant shared, "I learned that you have to keep sunflowers well protected from animals because I did not originally, and they kept getting eaten. But after I protected the plant, it grew well." 

Even when things didn't go as planned, there was still learning and fun. "We didn't plant our seeds soon enough. But my girls loved it anyway! They still enjoyed reading the emails and information about the sunflowers," said a parent of participating members. 

A friendly competition was included to showcase the learning with this monster program. Contest winners were announced in the categories of tallest sunflower, largest sunflower head, most petals and most seeds. 

Winners of the four contest areas will receive a prize package with products made from sunflowers.

It was a successful inaugural year for the program. A participant remarked, "I really enjoyed this project and will certainly plan on doing this next year." 

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Grow a Monster Challenge! 

Learn more about 4-H plant science.
 

Grow a Monster Challenge winners