Sunflower Seeds

Sunflowers are a favourite for growing with children who will marvel at their bright faces while providing a feast for birds when the seeds mature. Their brilliant golden yellow petals bring a feeling of happiness to children and adults alike from summer into autumn, as well as providing a vibrant splash of colour to the garden and making you the envy of your neighbours! In fact, sunflowers come in rusty red, green and white forms as well, although the traditional yellow remains enduringly popular. We recommend sowing sunflower seeds every two weeks to provide a constant supply of cheery blooms through the summer. They’re very easy to grow and excellent for cutting or, alternatively, may be left to seed later in the year and provide a delicious and nutritious feast for the birds. Reaching heights of up to two metres, sunflowers need a sunny, sheltered spot with a good soil. They’re best started indoors from March to May, then planted out when the risk of frost has passed. Incorporate plenty of well-rotted garden compost or manure when planting out to give them a boost, protect from slugs and snails and keep well watered. Provide your sunflowers with stake support for taller growing varieties and in more exposed gardens.