Hello Alan.....you can do both, or either.

Indoor sowing...April to May, two seeds to each pot or cell, cover with fine layer of compost and keep moist. Temp 15-20degs. Remove weaker seedling leaving one to grow on at 13-15degs. Harden off late May, then plant in permanent positions.

Outdoor sowing...March to May in prepared flowering position. Two seeds together like before, then remove weaker seedling which you could plant elsewhere.

Flowers June to October.

I bought seeds yesterday so have just looked at the instructions! Mine are Sarah Ravens Vanilla Ice, which are a pale creamy lemon colour with multiple heads.

Well said Janey - who could ask for more?! You'll love your Vanilla Ice . . . I grew Sarah Raven sunflowers last year, and love the creamier colours.

Oh good Sheila.....my Russian Giants didn't do too well last year, so I'm hoping these smaller ones will fare better and be more interesting! Yes some of the traditional sunflowers are a bit garish within the garden, probably best in a site on their own.

may I ask if Sarah Raven's seeds can only be bought on line or is there a shop or gardening centre that sell them?

Hi John - I've never seen them on sale, so I suspect Sarah Raven's seeds are only available on line. However, as you're in Herts, you could try Docwra's Manor garden in Shepreth (near Royston) which is owned by her parents . . . worth a visit, open Weds and Fridays, 10 - 4. and first Sunday each month.

John and Sheila have a look at your local Homebase, this is where I bought mine, there is a special stand full of her "Brilliant for Bees and Butterflies" seeds......a great selection to choose from. They are for sale through Johnsons.....I also bought Cosmos Bright Lights......orange and tangerine coloured single and semi double flowers, I'm looking forward to getting going with these too....:))

Great news Janey - thanks!

You could try some of the Mexican Sunflowers. They only grow 3 - 4 feet, but they are lovely colours... From orange to deep red and some are multi-coloured.

Are they Tithonia Myron?

Yes Janey, you're right. Mexican Sunflowers are Tithonia which are from the Asteraceae family and Sunflowers as we know them (Helianthus annuus) come from the Compositae family, so they're not related. But I just love the colours of them and like to plant them in a border in front of Helianthus. They make a lovely contrast to the taller Sunflowers behind.

Think I'll give them a go too Myron, I love the deep orange shade....will they grow as annuals here? Tell you what I have for the back of the border, Rudbeckia Lanciniata citrus yellow about 7ft tall with flowers that point towards the sky, I think all these will look very well together....:))

Tithonia are related to the Daisy Janey and so they are a perennial, but they are treated as an annual over here.

I'm sure that Rudbeckia Lanciniata will be a good choice and will look lovely behind them. Maybe you could mix some of the other types of Rudbeckia in with them, orange, red, crimson, for a lovely colour contrast? :o)

I live in Canada, but I find it very easy to grow sunflowers. No real need to take the time to plant indoors as they grow easy. I planted them in the garden for a couple yrs and now they volunteer all over the garden and I just leave what I want growing. I love them! They are bright and cheery and our birds love them! Have fun with them!