We bought a bunch of sunflower variety seed packets last January 2024 and finally got around to planting some of them a few weeks ago just before we got flooded with rain. Initially, I didn't see any activity in my garden as I direct sowed, but since the rain deluge, there are signs of life everywhere in my yard and garden, little plants popping up in random places. and my daughter are thrilled to go outside almost daily to enjoy the fine spring weather and check on our sunflower progress. I didn't mark where they are planted, though we know generally where they are located, so it's been fun running around the yard trying to guess, is this a sunflower? Can't wait to see them full-grown!

The first year I attempted to grow sunflowers (back in 2023), I struggled. The general recommendation with sunflower seeds is to direct sow them (they don't like to get their roots disturbed). When I tried this, sadly, the seedlings were beheaded by a critter and I didn't have time to replant them. For the 2024 season, here's how I troubleshooted: I purchased some compostable all paper cups from the grocery store and planted the seeds there. Once ready to transplant, I soaked the seedlings in some compost tea and then tore the paper cup away and transplanted with no issue (since the paper cups had no plastic and were compostable, I could have planted them without removing them-I opted not to in order to prevent obstructing the roots). This worked perfectly! This sunflower pictured grew to about 12 feet high. They were pollinator magnets and I left them standing to provide seeds for the birds-nature's bird feeder. They were a real joy in the garden. Will be growing them again for 2025.

Every time I walked to my garden they made me smile. These were absolutely stunning and the bees and birds loved them. Definitely plan to plant them again this year.

I just planted some, so excited to see the blooms!

They arrived in a timely manner, I have not planted them yet, but well packaged