Choose a sheltered location that gets full sun all day long. You will enjoy success with just about any soil that does not retain standing water. Of course, more fertile soil will promote vigorous growth and meatier seeds, so consider adding compost and manure when you prepare the seedbed. The remaining furrow will fill naturally as the seedlings grow. The seeds will germinate best when the soil temperature is about 70 degrees F. Young seedlings can take a light frost but not a deep freeze.
Sunflowers can withstand hot dry weather but benefit from periodic deep waterings.
When the first true leaves appear, thin the plants so they are spaced about two feet apart. When the second set of leaves appear, feed the plants weekly with fertilizer, which will encourage good root development. Stake all the plants with tall poles and secure them every six inches with soft ties. When sunflower heads first appear, do not overwater since the heads may deform. While the Russian varieties are the most widely grown these days, experts suggest that backyard gardeners not overlook other types of sunflowers.