The unexpected joy of growing Sunflower

I planted Sunflower without expecting much and it's become one of the most satisfying things in my garden. self-seeding and naturalising without annual replanting is something I couldn't have predicted from looking at it in a nursery. You only understand it once the plant is established and performing.

I keep it in a naturalistic border at the edge of a garden which is perfect for it. sowing directly into poor soil as rich soil encourages weeds was the thing I got lucky getting right early. cutting back meadow areas in autumn to remove thatch stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw it. poor germination in compacted or clay soils is a real thing — just check regularly and deal with it quickly.