Enter the annual UQ Sunflower Competition and inspire your students to become the next generation of plant and agricultural scientists.
Now in its 20th year, the competition provides interactive learning opportunities through school-based experiments and an optional Sunflower Activity Day of workshops and awards at UQ Gatton.
If you can't find what you're looking for, email our UQ Sunflower Competition team at science.events@uq.edu.au.
Grow sunflowers at your school as part of the curriculum or as an extracurricular activity.
To get involved in the competition you can:
- enter the ‘Heaviest Yield’ competition by submitting a video that shows you removing the sunflower head and weighing it on calibrated digital scales
- enter the ‘Communicating Science’ or ‘Scientific Investigations’ prize categories in the Queensland Science Contest by submitting your entry to the UQ Sunflower Competition
- attend the Sunflower Activity Day at UQ Gatton to participate in agricultural activities and learn more about growing sunflowers.
Registrations
Registrations are open for the 2019 UQ Sunflower Competition. They will close on 28 June.
Other important dates
- UQ Sunflower Activity Day: 21 May
- Registration deadline: 28 June
- Video submission deadline: 5pm, 8 October
- Live-stream of winners announcement: week commencing 14 October
New competition format
Using feedback from schools in 2018, we have updated the competition format to provide more flexibility for participation within school schedules.
What has changed?
- Extended registrations: registrations are open until 28 June (if you plant after this date you won't have sufficient time to grow flowers by the deadline).
- A rolling start: plant any time after you receive your seed pack.
- Extended growing season: grow sunflowers when it suits your curriculum, remembering that to grow the biggest sunflowers they need plenty of light, heat and water. If a crop fails during the competition timeline, you can request new seeds.
- Video submission of sunflower weigh-in: submit your record of your highest yield by 5pm on 8 October.
- New prizes: we're offering prizes for the heaviest yield in your state or territory in categories for Primary, Years 7-10 and Years 11-12. We will also award a prize for the Overall Grand Champion for the heaviest recorded yield.
- Activity Day: replacing the traditional Weigh-in Day, a Sunflower Activity Day will be held at Gatton Campus on 21 May, where students can experience agricultural science in action.
- Online experiments: scientific in-class sunflower experiments are available on these web pages and we will post regular videos to provide expert tips, advice and answers to your frequently asked questions.
What stays the same?
- You must grow your plants in a 14-litre pot.
- Ensure your plant's roots don't come in contact with soil outside the pot.
Previous competition photos
Flickr gallery of previous years
Eligibility
The competition is open to all primary and secondary school students in Australia.
Prizes will be awarded for each state and territory in these categories:
- Heaviest yield: primary
- Heaviest yield: years 7-10
- Heaviest yield: primary" years 11-12
We will also award a prize for Overall Grand Champion for the heaviest recorded yield.
Teams entering the ‘Communicating Science’ or ‘Scientific Investigations’ categories may only contain a maximum of three members.
Seed kits
UQ will supply you with Sunbird 7 seeds (Pacific Seeds sunflower hybrid). You must plant this variety.
Note: the supplied seeds have been treated and are not fit for human consumption. Ensure students wash their hands after contact.
You can plant any time after you receive your seeds, remembering that sunflowers need plenty of light, heat and water to thrive. If a crop fails during the competition timeframe, you can request new seeds.
To plant, you will need to supply:
- 14-litre pot
- potting mix
- fertiliser
- protective mask
- watering can.
Pots
Pots must be no larger than 14 litres in volume - entries grown in larger pots will be disqualified.
Ask your local garden supplier to recommend a standard 300mm, 14-litre pot.
Place your pot on an impervious surface such as concrete - don't place it directly on soil.
Use a saucer to avoid your sunflower's roots escaping the pot.
Note: the video that you submit must show the plant in its original growing pot and soil medium.
Growing conditions
Each team or entrant is free to choose where and how the plant is grown within the limits of:
- pot size
- solid potting media
- competition rules.
Teams or entrants may choose a watering and fertilising regime that they believe maximises growth.
The recommended experiments published on this page are a guide only - feel free to deviate from the suggested trials and experiment with light, water, fertiliser and potting mix conditions.
Note: plants will perform best in full sun but you may wish to grow comparison plants in the shade for class interest.
Video submission
Submission deadline: 5pm on Tuesday, 8 October 2019
Videos must be:
- file type: MPG, MPEG, AVI, WMV, WAV or MOV (a smartphone-quality video will suffice)
- less than 15MB
- a maximum of 45 seconds
- uncut and show the pot with a 30-centimetre ruler placed in front of it, then the sunflower head being removed and weighed on a set of calibrated digital scales.
While recording, clearly state the following: “This is the entry for <Group Name> from <School Name> from <State/Territory> in the year <Primary/7-10/11-12> category.”
Save the file name as the school, state, group and category (e.g. UQGatton_QLD_Class_8H_Year_7_10.mov)
If you have any film and media students, this task offers a great opportunity for them to help with video production.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut orci quam, euismod in pretium sit amet, luctus et ipsum. Fusce eget semper diam, a euismod arcu. Nunc porta tempus quam,
- Seed germination experiment
- Comparison of potting mixes
- Comparison of potting mixes and fertilisers
- Interaction of potting mixes and fertilisers
- Comparison of light regimes
- Interaction of light regimes and fertiliser
Seed germination experiment
Aim, level and context
Aim: to compare the effect of two seed treatments on successful germination rates of sunflower seeds
Level: basic
Context: seeds need to break “dormancy” before they will germinate. This can sometimes be a problem for agronomists and plant breeders who need to ensure stored seed will germinate.
Materials and methods
You will need at least 12 sunflower seeds. The more seeds you use, the more robust the experiment.
Treatments include:
- control (no treatment)
- scarification (cut the tip of the seed open with a sharp knife, or nail clippers)
- freeze-thaw (place the seeds in a freezer for 30 minutes then allow to return to room temperature. This may be repeated several times).
Seeds can then be germinated on moistened paper towels or on the surface of moist potting mix.
Emergence should occur within a week. Take daily observations.
Observations and data collection
Get your class to observe the type of germination (epigeal) and draw a diagram. Count the days until the hypocotyl (the plant) and the first root emerges.
Students can write a report on the experiment comparing the three germination rates and time to emergence. Did any treatments cause them to emerge faster? What was the seed germination rate?
Comparison of potting mixes
Aim, level and context
Aim: to compare the effect of three potting mixes on the growth and development of sunflower plants.
Level: basic
Context: the soil or substrate in which plants grow is one of the most important determinants in overall health and yield of crops. Soils supply essential macro- and micro-nutrients and soils have differing capacities to store moisture, influencing the water available for growth.
Materials and methods
You will need three potting mixes (treatments):
- organic
- high-quality mix (added fertiliser, trace elements, pH adjusted and perhaps water crystals) (Nursery Association – red ticks)
- lower quality mix (Nursery Association – black ticks)
- 12 plastic pots of 14-litres capacity
- fill four pots with each of the potting mixes ensuring you use the same volume of potting mix in each.
Observations and data collection
Get your class to observe the type of germination (epigeal) and draw a diagram.
Each week get your class to measure the following for each of the treatments (best if all measurements were done on the same day each week):
- plant height (from soil surface to growing apex)
- stem diameter at the height of the first true leaf
- number of leaves (exclude the cotyledons).
Observe the colour and size of leaves and note the differences among treatments. Observe biological variability even within the same treatment.
Students can write a report on the experiment and draw three graphs (height, stem diameter and leaf number against time). They can explore and discuss how plant nutrition and water availability (or water stress) can influence crop growth.
Comparison of potting mixes and fertilisers
Aim, level and context
Aim: to compare the effect of three potting mixes and a fertiliser on the growth and development of sunflower plants.
Level: intermediate
Context: in most Australian farming systems native soil fertility levels are decreasing in response to intensive cropping, leading farmers to increasingly rely on fertilisers to provide crops with the nutrients they require for good growth. Maximising the efficiency of fertiliser use is very important as using too little limits crop growth and lowers yield, while using too much reduces profits and has negative consequences for the environment.
Materials and methods
- three potting mixes (treatments), as for Experiment 2
- 24 plastic pots of 14 litres capacity
- fill eight pots by volume with each of the potting mixes
- fertiliser
- none
- a general fertiliser such as Q5 (5.3%N, 5.8%P, 5.0%K, 13.3%S).
Add the recommended rate of Q5 to four pots for each of the potting mixes. The other four pots will be the controls (no added fertiliser). Remember there are nutrients in the potting mix. This experiment can be varied by adding fertiliser at different times during plant growth, for example, four weeks after planting or at flowering, etc.
Observations and data collection
Observe the colour and size of leaves and note differences among treatments. Fresh weight (and dry weight if drying facilities are available: 60ºC for two days or until fully dry) may be measured once plants are mature (back of the head turns brown).
Students can write a report on the experiment and draw three graphs (height, stem diameter and leaf number against time) for each of the six treatments. Are there any interactions between the treatments? What might be causing these interactions?
Students can also weigh a set volume of each soil substrate dry and wet (ie a pot full), and analyse the differences in soil water-holding capacity between the soil types. You should water the soils till water runs freely out the bottom of the pot and then wait 30 minutes before weighing the wet soil. Class results for the trial can be collated and the importance of soil water-holding capacities can be discussed.
Interaction of potting mixes and fertilisers
Aim, level and context
Aim: to compare the effect of three potting mixes and two fertilizers on the growth and development of sunflower plants.
Level: advanced
Context: in addition to increasing dependence on fertilisers to provide crops with the necessary nutrients, the properties of the soil can have a significant influence on the availability of nutrients from fertilizers after they are applied. Chemical and physical properties of soil such as organic matter, pH, texture and water-holding capacity can significantly change the effectiveness of applied fertilisers.
Materials and methods
- three potting mixes (treatments), as for Experiment 2
- 36 plastic pots of 14 litres capacity
- fill eight pots by volume with each of the potting mixes.
- fertiliser
- none
- liquid fertiliser (e.g. Thrive or Aquasol)
- solid fertiliser such as Q5 (5.3%N, 5.8%P, 5.0%K, 13.3%S).
Add the recommended rate of Q5 to four pots for each of the potting mixes. Another four pots will be the controls (no added fertiliser). Remember there are nutrients in the potting mix. The liquid fertiliser will be added weekly using a watering can to the final four pots at the recommended rate, starting two weeks after emergence. Try to ensure you add the same volume of water to each plant. All other pots should receive the same volume of water without fertiliser added.
Observations and data collection
Note when the star-shaped structure first appears. Observe the colour and size of leaves and note differences among treatments. Fresh weight (and dry weight if drying facilities are available: 60ºC for two days or until fully dry) may be measured once plants are mature (back of the head turns brown).
Students can write a report on the experiment and draw three graphs (height, stem diameter and leaf number against time) for each of the nine treatments. Are there any treatment interactions? Students can also express the results of each treatment as a mean and standard deviation.
Students can weigh a set volume of each soil substrate dry and wet (ie a pot full), and analyse the differences in soil water-holding capacity between substrates. Water the soils till water runs freely out the bottom of the pot and then wait 30 minutes before weighing the wet soil. Class results for the trial can be collated and the importance of soil water-holding capacities discussed. Also discuss the chemical differences between soils and how this can affect nutrient availability (ie acid soils, clay soils).
Comparison of light regimes
Aim, level and context
Aim: to compare the effect of two light regimes on the growth and development of sunflower plants.
Level: advanced
Context: plants require light for photosynthesis and via phytochrome use it as a signal for physiological changes such as when to flower (photoperiodism), germination of seeds and to set circadian rhythms. Plants will adapt physically when exposed to lower-than-optimal light conditions.
Materials and methods
- You will need a high-quality mix (added fertiliser, trace elements, pH adjusted and perhaps water crystals) (Nursery Association – red ticks)
- Eight plastic pots of 14 litres capacity
- Fill the pots by volume with potting mix
Light regimes
- Natural light
- 70 per cent shade cloth (shade house or structure supporting the shade cloth, simple frames can be erected using PVC pipe and shade cloth)
Observations and data collection
Each week the class is to measure the following for each of the treatments (best if the measurements are done the same day each week):
- plant height (from soil surface to growing apex)
- stem diameter
- number of leaves.
Note when the star-shaped structure first appears. Observe the colour and the size of the leaves and note the differences between the treatments. Plants that are in the shade will use less water and grow slower. Ask students to investigate and discuss why this could be the case.
Students can write a report on the experiment and draw three graphs (height, stem diameter and leaf number against time). On each graph, compare the natural and reduced light. Students can discuss why reducing light would affect growth and photosynthesis.
Interaction of light regimes and fertiliser
Aim, level and context
Aim: to compare the effect of two light regimes on the growth and development of sunflower plants with and without fertiliser.
Level: advanced
Context: both light and nutrient are essential for plant growth. Light is required for photosynthesis and provides energy for growth, while nutrients provide the building blocks for growth and all biological processes. In addition, plant nutrient and water uptake is closely linked to light exposure with water moving from the soil to the leaves in response to light-driven stomatal opening.
Materials and methods
-
You will need a high quality mix (added fertiliser, trace elements, pH adjusted and perhaps water crystals) (Nursery Association – red ticks)
-
16 plastic pots of 14 litres capacity
-
Fill the pots by volume with potting mix.
Light regimes
-
Natural light
-
70 per cent shade cloth (shade house or structure supporting the shade cloth, simple frames can be erected using pvc pipe and shade cloth)
Fertiliser
-
None
-
A general fertiliser such as Q5 (5.3%N, 5.8%P, 5.0%K, 13.3%S)
The Q5 will be added at the recommended rate to eight pots (four pots will be placed in natural light and four under shade). Pots without fertiliser will be equally distributed between the shade house and natural light.
Observations and data collection
Note when the star-shaped structure first appears. Observe the colour and size of leaves and note differences among treatments. Under shade, plants will use less water and also grow slower.
Students can write a report on the experiment and draw three graphs (height, stem diameter and leaf number against time). On each graph, compare natural and reduced light with and without fertiliser. Are there any interactions between treatments? Students can investigate and discuss how and why photosynthesis and plant nutrition are linked.
What are the most important factors judges will consider?
That the plant has been grown:
- in a 14-litre pot or smaller
- in a solid medium (not in a hydroponic situation)
- in the container presented in your video.
- the roots have not grown through the base of the pot.
Which parts of the plant are included in the weigh-in?
All parts of the plant above the cotyledonary node, including the flower head, all leaves and stem.
The cotyledonary node is first node produced by the seedling when it germinates and is where the cotyledons are. Cotyledons are the first two leaves to emerge after the sunflower seed germinates. The nodes refers to an area on the stem where the leaves are attached.
Do sunflowers really face the sun?
In a certain stage of growth known as the budding stage, sunflowers face the sun, but they won't do this permanently.
What is the best time for growing sunflowers?
Sunflowers can be planted all year round but they thrive best during warm summer conditions.
How many flowers or heads does a sunflower have?
The cultivated sunflower should only have one flower or head, although other cultivated and wild varieties are known to have multiple flowers.
Why are sunflowers grown commercially in Australia?
The sunflower is a major summer oilseed crop and consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of the various types of sunflower oil. Sunflower oil is light in taste and appearance. It is also popular because it is low in saturated fats and high in vitamin E. Sunflower seeds are very nutritious, boasting high levels of zinc, potassium and phosphorus.
Note: the supplied seeds for this competition have been treated and are not fit for human consumption. Ensure students wash their hands after contact.
Why is my sunflower not growing well?
Many variables contribute to strong sunflower growth.
Plants mature anywhere between 60 to 80 days. In the meantime, check:
- where your pot is positioned
- the pH level of your soil
- your soil type
- any drainage issues (plants should not be waterlogged)
- how much you are watering - too much or too little?
- fertiliser type and amount being administered.
My sunflower is getting quite tall, how can I support it?
Use a piece of bamboo to stake your plants.
Do any pests like sunflowers?
Yes - keep watch for birds, slugs and snails and be proactive with plants and diseases - treating for pests won't ruin your experiment. Try to check on your plants every day. If you see a problem developing, you can address it immediately.
Video submissions for all categories are due by 5pm on 8 October.
Before you submit your entry, take note of the required steps below and watch our instructional video.
Submit your video entry
Submit your video via the CloudStor link below.
If you have problems submitting your entry, email the UQ Sunflower Competition team at science.events@uq.edu.au.
Submit your video via CloudStor
How to record your heaviest yield
- Place a 30-centimetre ruler in front of your pot
- Start filming with a shot of the pot and move up the stem to the flower
- Film the removal of the head as per the instructional video on this page
- Place the head of the flower on a set of digital scales with the screen clearly visible
- While recording, clearly state the following, "This is the entry for <Group Name> from <School Name> in the year <7-10/11-12> category."
- Save the file with the school, group and category included (e.g. UQGatton_Year_7_10_Class_8H.mov)
Watch our instructional video
Watch our example video that outlines how to record your entry (YouTube, 4m:50s).
This optional day of workshops and activities is held at UQ Gatton campus each May.
The event will introduce students to the Gatton campus and includes:
- a workshop where students can learn about the variables affecting sunflower growth and ask horticultural experts about their sunflowers
- a selection of other agricultural activities
- an awards ceremony.
You can't bring your sunflowers to campus, but we recommend bringing photos of them if you want to ask specific questions about your plant.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam fermentum dolor mauris, nec rhoncus orci rutrum sit amet.
Instructional video on Nam fermentum dolor mauris
YouTube, 4m:50s
Instructional video on Nam fermentum dolor mauris
YouTube, 4m:50s
Instructional video on Nam fermentum dolor mauris
YouTube, 4m:50s
Instructional video on Nam fermentum dolor mauris
YouTube, 4m:50s
Instructional video on Nam fermentum dolor mauris
YouTube, 4m:50s
Instructional video on Nam fermentum dolor mauris
YouTube, 4m:50s
Instructional video on Nam fermentum dolor mauris
YouTube, 4m:50s