Valentine

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

TO PLANT OUTDOORS

Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled both day and night and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil 1 inch deep and 4 – 5 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until germination in 8 to 10 days.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in individual pots of well drained seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside when seedlings are large enough to handle. When weather has warmed into the 50°F (10°C) range, transplant carefully into the garden in full sun.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 12 inches apart so plants have ample room to grow sturdy stalks and roots.

GROWING NOTES

Growing sunflowers is easy and rewarding. Make several sowings, three weeks apart to have a succession of bloom. Keep soil moist and well weeded. Protect seedlings from hungry birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Sunflowers need room! When young seedlings are 3 inches tall, be sure to thin them to stand 12 inches apart.