Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and are ideal for growing with children.They can grow to heights of up to two metres, bear impressive, long-lasting flowers, and look fantastic in gardens and allotments. They make an excellent cut flower.
How to grow sunflowers at home
To grow sunflowers you need a sunny, sheltered spot and a good soil – add plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost before planting, if you can. protect the young plants from slugs and snails and water your sunflowers regularly. You may also need to stake them if they’re in an exposed position.
When to plant sunflower seeds
Sow sunflower seeds from April to May, individually in 10cm pots of peat-free, multi-purpose compost. Plant out into the garden when all risk of frost has passed, from early June.
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More on growing sunflowers:
- Monty Don’s giant sunflower trial (part one)
- Growing sunflowers Grow Guide
- Unusual sunflowers to grow
Learn how to grow sunflowers from seed, below.
You Will Need
- Sunflower seeds e.g. 'Russian Giant'
- Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
- 7.5cm plastic pots
- Plant labels
- Pencil or waterproof pen
- Watering can with rose attachment
- Plastic bottles
Step 1
Use a good peat-free, multi-purpose compost to fill 7.5cm pots to 1cm below the rim. Tap each pot to settle the compost and firm gently.
Step 2
Sow one seed per pot – sunflowers germinate reliably and form large seedlings. Poke the seed into the compost.
Step 3
Cover the sunflower seed with about 1.5cm of compost. Label each pot and water well so that the compost is just moist throughout.
Step 4
Cover each pot with a plastic bottle ‘cloche’ to keep seedlings warm. Plant your sunflowers outside in May when the last frosts are over. You may be able to plant them out even earlier if you live in a mild location.
At the end of the flowering season, you can harvest the seed from your sunflowers to use in the kitchen, or feed the birds.
