Container Sunflowers - Junior

ANNUAL Summer/fall bloom Frost tender PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN OR CONTAINER Plant in full sun in good garden soil when all danger of frost is past and weather is above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Sow seeds into well-worked soil ½ inch deep and 4 to 5 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist. When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches thin to 8 inches apart. For container planting, sow directly into pots filled with well moistened, good quality potting mix. Thin seedlings to no more than 1 plant per 8 inch pot, or 3 plants per 12 inch in diameter and 12 to 18 inch deep pot. For larger planters, space plants 6 inches apart. Extra seedlings can be potted up for more containers, gifts or plant into the garden. TO START EARLY INDOORS Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in individual 3 to 4 inch pots of well-drained soil mix. Keep moist, feed every 10 days and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside, when nights are regularly above 50°F (10°C). GROWING NOTES Make several sowings, three weeks apart, to have a succession of bright summer flowers. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. When 3 inches tall, carefully thin seedlings to proper spacing so they have room to grow and mature.