Visit our Circulation department for print subscription information. For The Associated Press Sunflowers have changed. OK, it's a little early to be thinking about sunflowers' characteristics, but the gardeners in the area already are thinking about what they're going to put into the ground as soon as the cold weather passes. So civilized are they that sunflowers are now quite welcome as a cut flower indoors and, yes, even on the dining room table. Sunflowers are easy to grow.
Most gardeners sow seeds directly in the garden, after danger of frost has past.
Simply, the colors and versatility that have been added by breeders in recent years. Italian White is one of her favorites because it bears so many flowers over so many weeks that it's not unusual to see, on the same plant, flowers fresh for cutting and other flowers gone to seed being enjoyed by goldfinches and chickadees. Sunflowers are easy to grow. Most gardeners sow seeds directly in the garden, after danger of frost has past. Starting inside is easy and takes just five weeks to raise a plant ready for transplanting.