Space plants: 20 - 45 cm apart Compatible with (can grow beside): Cucumbers, Melons, Sweetcorn, Squash Avoid growing close to: Potatoes Sunflowers need full sun and grow best in fertile, well-drained, moist soil with plenty of mulch. Sunflowers do not like to be transplanted so are best grown direct from seed. The giant or Russian varieties are preferred for seed production Grow to 1 - 2 metres (4 - 6 ft) so need staking or protection from the wind. Protect seed heads from birds when ripening with nets or paper bags. Chickens love a sunflower head hung for them to peck! Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sunflower Use seeds fresh or toasted or press for oil.
