Flower power

With names like Gigantor, Grond and Morpheus, you might think these are characters in a science fiction book.

Their yellow faces tower above any human, stretching toward the second story of a typical suburban house.

Yet, Todd Kelsey is happy to have these monsters in his backyard.

In fact, he's sharing their life stories on his blog, www.sunflowerreport.blogspot.com.

The Wheaton resident's project began when he bought a packet of Mammoth Greystripe sunflower seeds, took them home, planted them and waited. The seed packet conservatively suggested the sunflowers would grow 6 to 8 feet tall.

"I was greatly amused to call up my parents each day and give the sunflower report," he said.

Kelsey, who had never previously grown sunflowers, was shocked to see his tallest plant, Gigantor, had reached 12 feet, 3 inches tall.

After planting the flowers in May, Kelsey started the Sunflower Report, where he shares his observations and tips.

Kelsey's trick to growing the towering plants? "50 percent cow manure and 50 percent peat moss mixed in with soil," he said. "Add some osmokote, a time-release fertilizer, and don't water too often."

And don't forget to document their lives.

"Take pictures regularly ---- it's fascinating to see how fast they grow. Some kids would surely get a kick out of it," Kelsey said.

In fact, Kelsey believes they are a good way to introduce children to a new hobby.

"(The sunflowers) are a real nice thing to get a person started with gardening," he said. "I just love growing them."