Mr Fothergill's Sunflower Gummy Bear Seeds, Semi tall branching variety producing numerous flowers. Leave the dead flower heads to attract and help feed the wild birds in the autumn. Easy to grow but if garden pests are a problem start seeds 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 40cm. 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 40cm apart.

• A hardy annual, flowers the same year as sown
• Lemon yellow blooms on neat, branching plants
• Mid-height, ideal for beds and large containers

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