Mr Fothergill's Sunflower Black Magic F1 Seeds, Easy to grow, dark mystical blooms. Easy to grow but if garden pests are a problem start seeds indoors. Bees are attracted to the flowers to feed on the nectar produced.

Sow outdoors where they are to flower, 1.5cm deep, directly into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Sow two seeds together every 45cm. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Remove the weaker plant, which can be transplanted if desired. Water well until young plants are established. Or sow indoors 1.5cm deep, individually in small pots of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame or greenhouse. Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 45cm apart.

• A hardy annual, flowers the same year as sown
• Multi-branching stems, dark maroon pollen-free flowers
• Wonderful for borders and as a cut flower

Sow time: Mar-May
Flowering/Harvesting time: Jun-Sep