Growing Sunflowers From Seed

[shivvy]

I grow half a dozen sunflowers from seed every year. I start them in small pots on the windowsill and gradually repot and move them towards the outside when they are approx 4-6inches.

Something I'm never sure about is whether to stake them, and if so, at what point of their growth.  I think that being outside and being able to sway in a breeze strengthens the stem, but the ones I have this year look quite weedy and i think might fail without support.

[Chipchopper]

I agree that, the young plants do benefit if exposed to a little breeze, but finding a sheltered spot that has just right can be a tricky balancing act.

My Thumbergias got blown flat before they had the chance to toughen up or harden off, but they did rise again, so I just about got away with it. The final challenge is now the armies of slugs out on manoeuvres. Some spent coffee grounds sprinkled around the seedlings may help.

[shivvy]

My sunflowers are particularly weedy this year.

I don't think they shot up too quickly, but if left unstaked now they will be lying horizontally flat!!  Do I leave them like that and see if they come good?  Or do I continue to stake?