When can I sow my seeds?
For best results sow under glass from March onwards or sow direct into the ground from April onwards.

How do I sow my seeds under glass?
Use a well drained multi-purpose compost either peat or soil based to fill your tray or pot until 2cm (half an inch) from the top and firm, sow seeds and then cover with compost and water well. Place tray or pot in propagator at around 65 f and seeds will germinate in about 14 days, once they have two or three leaves prick out into 9cm pots or reasonably large multi cell trays again using a multi purpose compost. Plants can then be hardened off in a cold frame for around two weeks before planting.

Can I sow seeds direct into the soil outdoors?
Yes from April onwards when soil is workable cultivate to a fine tilth where you wish to sow make a drill in the soil to a depth of a couple of centre metres sow seeds about 6cm apart and then cover and water, seeds should germinate in 14-21 days depending on weather conditions.

How far should I plant apart?
For best results plants should be 18cm-24cm apart with the exception of the Giants which can go up to 36cm apart.

Should I use feed or fertilizer to encourage healthy growth?
Sunflowers like all plants respond well to plant food or fertilizer I suggest I good all round common feed such as growmore or bone meal.

Is there anything I can do to produce longer stems on my sunflowers?
Yes, for branching types (NOT ProCuts, Stella Gold or Double Quick) pinch out the growing point after four or five leaves and this will encourage the plants to make very nice long branches that are more suitable for cutting or for making broader plants.

Are Sunflowers prone to disease?
Like all plants they suffer from their fair share, mainly susceptible to downey mildew which can be kept at bay by use of a fungicide.

Are sunflowers attacked by anything else?
I have always felt better by covering my seeds and plants with net until they are established (say 9-12cm tall) this just keeps the birds from feeding on their juicy young leaves. When it comes to insects sunflowers normally attract enough beneficial insects to ward off the white fly and green fly.

When can I cut the flowers for indoor use?
To get the best from your flowers cut just as the petals start to open and that way they will last longer in the vase, once cut immerse straight into water and if this cannot be then revive them by cutting about 1" off the bottom of the stems and mix a little washing up liquid into the water not sure why but this does help to revive the flowers.

Can I pinch out my Pro Cut Sunflowers?
No these are single stem varieties which have been bred to produce only one flower per plant and if pinched will simply still produce one stem of lesser quality.

What are your suggestions for containers?
Junior and Munchkin are both excellent dwarf branching varieties ideal for this use.

What would you suggest for a hedge?
Pretty much any of the branching types will do but if it's a tall hedge then use Kong, it branches as well as being a monster.

If your sunflowers have no pollen does this mean they will not attract butterflies?
No, insects are after the nectar NOT pollen and our sunflowers produce a lot of nectar.

What variety do you suggest for collecting the seeds to give to my hamsters and rabbit?
Summer Sensation is great for this, plants will produce well kernels ideal for your pets.

What should I do with the plants once they have finished flowering?
It is best to get rid of the waste material as soon as possible this will prevent disease transferring from the plants to the soil which will make it difficult to grow sunflowers the following year.

Can I grow Sunflowers in my small tunnel?
Yes you can and you will have good results provided you keep plants well watered and insect free. Because of the lower light level plants may become a little taller.

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