Back to basics Making a sunflower screen Sunflowers brighten up the garden and make excellent cut flowers if gathered just before they are fully open. Plant your seeds in May and you should see the results by mid-summer. Sow sunflower seeds directly into prepared soil, planting the dwarf varieties at the front with the taller ones behind them. Keep plants well watered to encourage strong growth, adding a liquid feed once a month.
Control slugs if they are a problem.
By mid-summer your screen will have grown up and be in flower. Stake and tie in taller varieties to provide extra support.