How to Grow Sunflowers from Seed in 8 Steps

Sowing depth, spacing, staking and when to cut, for sunflowers that stand up through a summer storm.

The steps

1. Sow Direct. They resent root disturbance. Direct sowing beats transplanting.
2. Sow After Frost. Wait for warm soil. Cold ground rots the seed.
3. Plant an Inch Deep. About an inch down. Firm the soil over them.
4. Give Them Room. Giants need a foot or more. Crowding means small heads.
5. Full Sun, All Day. Six to eight hours minimum. They lean hard toward light.
6. Water Deeply. Soak the root zone weekly. Deep roots resist wind.
7. Stake Tall Types. Stake before the head fills. A heavy head snaps in wind.
8. Cut or Leave. Cut as petals start lifting. Or leave the heads for birds.

Pro tip. Sow a short row every two weeks from spring through midsummer instead of all at once. You get sunflowers in bloom for months rather than one spectacular fortnight and then bare stalks.