Place your plant in full sun (6-8 hours).

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

This plant has a high tolerance for humidity.

Sunflowers like sunny weather to grow in.

This plant is an annual in most parts of the country.

Add organic compost around the plant in the spring or a balanced granular fertilizer each year. Scratch the soil's surface, spread the fertilizer, then cover up with the existing soil and mulch.

To transplant into a garden container or the garden bed, water your plant the night before. Dig the hole twice as wide as the grower pot and the same depth as the grower pot (not deeper). Remove the plant and center in the spot. Add rooting hormone around the roots of the plant. Water in the hole and let drain. If you have clay soils, add compost to enhance the soil consistency. Fill around the plant and up to the top of its soil line. Tamp down with your hands to remove any air pockets. Water again around the drip line.

Deadheading isn't necessary but will promote more blooms. The dead flowers can be left on the plant at the end of the season. The center seed-cone will feed the birds throughout the winter.

Direct sow the sunflower seeds in relatively fertile, humus-rich, neutral to alkaline, moist soil, and good drainage. Plant seeds ½ to 1 ½ inches deep, spaced 18 inches apart. Water regularly to germinate and establish the roots throughout the season. Apply a light application of rooting hormone fertilizer during planting.