Growing giant sunflowers is most rewarding for children to see, because the plants grow very quickly. They are also very easy to grow, and the seeds are large and produce sturdy specimens very quickly. Young plants are juicy fodder for snails and slugs, so they do need some "looking after". They are great plants for attracting birds as they love the seeds from the plants in the Autumn.

It can take only 60 days from sowing the sunflower seeds to the flowers appearing. You may either plant your seeds directly into the garden from April or, to get really tall plants you could plant them earlier indoors – anytime from March onwards.

To sow outdoors: sow thinly, 10 mm deep and 30cm apart, soil should be well composted. Germination takes only 3 weeks.

For indoors and larger sunflowers: Plant 2cm deep in yoghurt pots (1 seed per pot) with compost. Cover with polythene to retain heat. Remove the cover when leaves appear, and plant outside when risk of frost has passed. Seedlings prefer a sunny open site. Feed them twice a week and stake them out with ties every 12 inches. They can grow up to 12 inches every day!