Sunflower Tips

One of the best things about sunflowers is that they are hardy and easy to grow. Here are some tips to get started:

• Plant sunflowers in a spot that receives at least six hours of full sun daily. Sunflowers planted in shade will "stretch" to reach sunlight, creating spindly plants. When flowers reach maturity, they will face east.

• Follow the seed packet's directions for spacing. Depending on the blooming flower's expected size, flowers should be spaced 3 inches to 6 inches apart.

• Plant taller varieties in the rear of the flower bed, medium-sized plants in the middle and shorter sunflowers near the front.

• Sunflowers prefer full sun in well-drained soil, but also will grow well in poor soil and with dry conditions.