Sunflower (Light Red) Seeds

This sunflower brings a change from classic yellow: petals in shades of red to bronze-red, often tipped with gold, around a dark centre. Plants grow fairly tall, so it suits garden beds, fences and large containers, and the blooms make striking cut flowers.

1. Sow 2–3 cm deep straight into a sunny bed or a pot at least 35 cm wide.
2. Keep the soil just moist; seedlings appear in about a week.
3. Keep the strongest seedling per spot, 40–50 cm apart.
4. Stake the stem once plants pass knee height.

Tip: colour is richest in full sun — in very hot, bright weather some petals fade to orange, which is normal. Birds love the ripening seeds; tie a mesh bag over a head if you want to save seeds.