Sunflower Ms Mars

Rich merlot-coloured sunflowers are produced on stems up to 50-76cm (20-30in) tall. Red and purple hues cover the stem and leaves while the daisy-like flowers transition to a pretty pink at the tips. With a naturally dwarf habit, it is ideal for cutting for a vase indoors.

SOWING INSTRUCTIONS: Direct sow sunflower seeds outdoors where they are to grow from April to May. Choose a position in full sun on well drained soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly, at a depth of 1cm (½in) in drills spaced 45cm (18in) apart and cover seed with its own depth of soil to exclude light. Water the ground regularly, especially during dry periods. Germination usually takes up to 7-14 days. When sunflower seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 30cm (12in) apart. Alternatively, sow indoors in individual 7.5cm (3in) pots from March to April at a temperature of 20-25°C (68-77°F).

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS: Once germinated, grow sunflower plants on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors after all risk of frost has passed.

HARVESTING;-