This flower is guaranteed to put a smile on a child's face, especially if you let them plant them.
There are over 70 species in the family which are native to southern and central America.
Early summer and spring is sunflower planting time. They like compost enriched, well drained soil. They need to be protected against slugs and snails until they start to grow. Their young trunks are susceptible to these pests until they get older with brown stems.
You may need to stake them or protect them if your in a windy position. Don't shade them while protecting them. Keep them happy in full summer sun.
Watering is important and keep the weeds away. You can add liquid fertiliser every two or three weeks, but I didn't to mine as pictured.
If you wish to collect the seeds, protect the flowers from birds by putting a stocking over the head until the seeds are mature. Your children may not let you do this though. Might be easier to get one when it has been damaged by the wind, birds or old age.
