Mr Fothergill's Sunflower Giant Single Seeds, Easy, fast growing and fun. For competition winners water regularly and feed before flowering begins. Easy to grow but if garden pests are a problem start indoors.

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. For giant competition winners water regularly and feed before flowering begins.

• A hardy annual, flowers the same year as sown
• Easy, fast growing with huge heads on giant stems
• A favourite with children - who can grow the tallest?

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