SUNFLOWERS

Symbols of summer and happiness, the ebullience that sunflowers bring just makes you feel good. Sow seeds any time over the next few months, popping them directly in the ground or starting them in pots. Great for kids, seeds germinate quickly and are large and easy to handle. For a succession of blooms, plant more seeds out in a month’s time, extending the flowering period.

This season, there are many new varieties available, including ‘Pro Cut White Nite F1’ (Kings Seeds). Bred to be a cut flower, it’s going to be fabulous for picking – with its creamy vanilla flowers each boasting a contrasting dark eye.

Another newbie from Kings Seeds is ‘Feed the Birds and Bees’.

Its large-headed flowers will be loaded with pollen and nectar for the bees. Leave the flowers on the tall sturdy stems for the birds to enjoy the seeds, or harvest and dry for yourself.