GARDENING: The fun flowers

SUNFLOWERS are the ultimate sunshine plants. They're child's play to grow and great fun. Throw a seed onto the soil now and by late summer you'll be looking up to a giant flower.

The tallest varieties are Titan, Taiyo, Giant Yellow and Russian Giant. They will all get up to at least 10ft with little effort - Titan boasts an extra couple of feet and blooms up to 2ft across.

Hard on their heels for size and definitely worth growing is Earthwalker, with its unusual deep orange and terracotta flowers. At almost 10ft tall, its growth is vigorous. Its branches make it suitable for growing at the back of sunny borders and for taking cut flowers.

Tall varieties have to use lots of energy to pump essential water and nutrients up to the leaves and flowers. An average plant may get through 44 gallons in its short life so to grow a prize-winning specimen requires lots of tender, loving care - especially during dry spells.

If you're hoping to challenge the record-breakers you'll be looking to grow a plant at least 25ft high or with a flower head of almost 3ft across.

If you fancy your chances, don't delay, sow today. Choose a variety with potential such as Titan and sow the seeds in a sunny, sheltered spot 1in deep and 18in apart. If kept well-watered the seedlings should appear within 2-3 weeks.

Watch out for slugs and support the growing stem with a stout stake. If a plant breaks it'll branch and produce several smaller flower heads. Removing the side shoots will also guarantee that the plant's effort goes into making one big bloom on a single stem.

Water the sunflower and feed weekly with a liquid tomato food - and then hope that when the flower appears in August the stem is strong enough to support it.

Sunflower watching can be great fun. On sunny days you'll see the flower head swivel and turn to face the sun. Butterflies and bees love the pollen and birds go crazy for the seeds so you'll also enjoy their antics.

And when the show is over, chop up the dried stalks and use them as a

fire-lighter - now how's that for value for money!

Copyright 2002 MGN LTD
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