GROWING NOTES

Growing these colorful sunflowers for pollinators and bouquets is both easy and rewarding. Make several sowings several weeks apart to have a succession of flowers in full bloom. Keep soil moist and well weeded and protect very young seedlings from birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded.

EASIEST TO PLANT OUTDOORS

Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled, all danger of frost is past and both days and nights are evenly in the 50°F (10°C) range. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1/2 in. deep, 4 to 5 in. apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until seedlings emerge in 8 to 10 days. Important: when seedlings are well-established, thin them to a final spacing of 1 foot apart so plants can grow sturdy stalks and big flowers. Extra seedlings can be transplanted easily.