No summer is complete without seeing yellow and black sunflowers in people's gardens. We are running a local competition for 12s and under - the Sunflower Olympics - to see who can grow the tallest sunflower this year.
Here are a few tips we think may be useful for successful growing:
1. Although the seed packet says sow outdoors we suggest you start the seeds off indoors on a bright window sill so that the sunflower can get well established because they are very tasty to slugs and snails!
2. When planting them out put a stake in at the same time, or a stout bamboo cane, this will avoid damage to the roots if you try and put support in later. if you're growing for height remember a 3 foot cane will be absolutely useless! How many of you lost a sunflower in full flower in a strong breeze? Make sure the support is suitable.
3. Tie the sunflower to the support with something strong but gentle, try to avoid wire. Cut up tights are ideal attached in a figure of eight.
4. Put slug deterrent down the moment you plant your sunflower. If you want to avoid chemicals try crushed egg shells in a thick ring or a plastic drinks bottle as a collar with the top cut in sharp points.
5. Feed your sunflower regularly.
Who knows you may win the tallest sunflower of the year!
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