Lesson 3
Through the season
Stake giants from day one with a metre-and-a-half cane — they topple in the first storm otherwise. Tie loosely with soft twine in three places as they grow.
Sunflowers are thirsty in heat but otherwise low-maintenance. Mulch heavily and water deeply once a week (more in pots). Container sunflowers need feeding fortnightly with a high-potash feed once buds form.
Pinch the leading bud at 50 cm tall on branching varieties to encourage many smaller flowers — perfect for cutting. Single-stem varieties (the 'ProCut' series) should NOT be pinched — let the central flower lead.
Sunflowers turn to face the morning sun (heliotropism) when young, then settle east-facing once mature. Plant them where 'east-facing' is the angle you want to admire — usually away from the house, looking back at the bed.