To promote early bloom, buy transplants at a garden center or sow seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date. Since the tithonia prefers warm temperatures, do not transplant outdoors until mid to late May in Iowa. They are excellent cut flowers. Soraya is self-branching, producing up to 20 to 25 stems per plant. Plants ultimately mature to a height of 5 to 6 feet.
Sunflowers are easy to grow.
They tolerate hot, dry conditions and grow in almost any soil. Their only requirement is full sun. Since sunflowers are difficult to transplant, sow the seeds directly outdoors in early to mid-May. An excellent cut flower, Melody Pink produces clusters or sprays of flowers on stems up to 1 foot in length. This annual dianthus performs best in well-drained, slightly alkaline soils.