The genus Helianthus includes both annual and perennial sunflowers (figure A), which require full sun. Sunflowers are sturdy plants that are often grown to form a border to a vegetable garden. Sunflowers bloom in late summer or early fall. They require moderately fertile, well-drained soil and should be direct-sown where you intend them to grow. Amend the soil with manure or use commercial fertilizer for best results. Sunflowers are easy to grow and very popular--among rabbits, squirrels and insects as well as gardeners. For this reason it's wise to plant three times as many seeds as you expect to grow. Plant seeds 12" apart to get the largest flower heads. If planted more closely together, the sunflowers' blooms will be smaller. Don't plant sunflowers--or other crops--in the same area of your garden year after year. Crop rotation is important to keep the soil healthy and to prevent disease.
| 
)
)
)
