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Zimmerman, Minnesota

I would like input from weigh off judges around the world as to how you measure a sunflower head? I am sure different sites do it differently but I would like to get a pulse of the most common practice being done out there. I Just harvested and measured my big head sunflower 3 different ways.
First way..... measure with hard tape measure on backside of head from petal to petal(way I have always done it)... Mine was 25 1/4 inches
Second way.... measure over the top with soft tape measure from petal to petal.... mine was 32 inches at widest point.
Third way.... measure circumference of the head.... mine was just over 59 inches.

Would really like to know Guinness rules if anyone knows but also what to put on the seed package when I send them to clubs this fall. I would also like to hear from people that have brought their sunflower in too or if you witnessed it... Thanks in advance!!

8/23/2020 11:13:27 PM

Syracuse, NY

well, here's one official-sounding piece of literature, and the Google Heading i used was

official sunflower measurement

http://www.sunflowerfestival.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Sunflower-Show-Rules.pdf

i'd better grow the 29-inch Rose next year - yeah!
good luck - eg

8/24/2020 4:36:34 AM

Greenbrier Valley, WV

Some info I found searching around the other day.

https://www.giantgardening.com/artcl_measuringsunflowers.php#:~:text=Measuring%20Sun%20Flower%20Heads&text=Usually%20from%20the%20widest%20point,grow%20in%20a%20curved%20shape.

8/24/2020 8:49:18 AM

Western PA

Pretty sure over the top at the widest part, ( do this over several spots to find the biggest measurement),. Thats how the ovgpg weigh off site does it. If you measured 32” over the domed top, that is a huge head !
You better double check its not any bigger than that. The world record is 32 1/4 inch i believe., so your damn close !
BTW, they shrink very fast, so don't wait too long.

8/24/2020 9:48:31 AM

Colorado

So where do you start the tape On the ovgpg method.Where the dried petal joins at the green flesh? Do you follow the outside curve of the seed side?

8/24/2020 1:13:53 PM

Colorado

Never mind I saw rbaughs link

8/24/2020 1:19:11 PM