Mr Fothergill's Sunflower Mahogany Bicolour Seeds, Compact, multi-headed variety. 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 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
• Beautiful blooms on free-flowering, bushy plants
• The ideal variety for small beds and large containers

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