Sunflower Seeds 'American Giant F1'

• Huge sunflower reaching up to 5m (16ft) tall
• Sturdy stems need no support
• Fun for kids to grow
• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Edible sunflower seeds

Giant by name and giant by nature! Sunflower ‘American Giant’ really is huge, growing up to 5m (16ft) tall, with a strong sturdy stem that needs no support. This quick-growing sunflower is fun for kids to grow and perfect for winning competitions! A holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, it’s also pollinator-friendly and great for wildlife gardens.

Sow indoors

Fill a small 6cm (2½ in) pot with span style=""text-decoration: underline;"">seed compost, shake and level firm with the base of another pot. Water well with a fine rose. Sow seeds individually into compost, pushing seeds to 1cm (½ in) deep. Place in a propagator at 15-20°C (60-70°F) or cover pot with cling film and leave in a warm room. When shoots appear, remove cling film. Keep seedlings in a light position, but shade from direct sunlight. Grow on in a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F)

Sow outdoors

Sow seeds in pre-watered soil at a depth of 2cm (1in) in their flowering positions. Keep soil moist until seedlings are established. Thin out to 30cm (12in) apart.

Plant out

Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out when risk of frost has passed. Water well until established.

Special Note: Do not remove spent sunflower heads. They provide attractive autumn seed heads which are great for providing wild birds with a treat.

Tips

Sunflower seeds are not only for wild birds. Cut and hang the mature sunflower seed head upside down in a warm, well ventilated room. Once dry push the seeds out of the head and store in a dry cloth bag. Eat as required.