Dwarf Sunflowers are terrific as an annual to grow each year in your garden, or to use as a cut flower. These plants are easy to grow from seed. They can flower quite early in the spring and due to their dwarf growth habit, they have strong stems which can hold up well in a bouquet with other flowers. A dwarf sunflower generally grows from 1 foot to 2 feet in height. The Dwarf Sunflower in this photo is about 16 inches in height. These flowers are generally 3-6 inches in diameter. Dwarf Sunflowers are great for borders, container use, or as cut flowers. The seeds go very far with Dwarf Sunflowers. That means a small number of seeds can cover quite a nice sized area. They can be sown directly in the soil in the spring after the last frost, planted in containers to later be moved into the garden, or even kept as is. Dwarf Sunflowers like rich, well drained soil. Dwarf Sunflowers do best with a good amount of water. The best amount of sun for a sunflower is at least six hours, preferably a full day of sun. Dwarf Sunflowers grow best when fertilized. The Dwarf Sunflower in this photo is a few months old, from seed to bloom!
Three Month Old Dwarf Sunflower From Seed to Bloom
Marigolds can be one of the most fun and rewarding annual plants to grow from seed at home. Marigolds exhibit beautiful, brilliant yellow, orange, or red blooms. They have compact bushy growth and can bloom for weeks to months. Although marigolds can be planted from seed directly in the garden, I prefer to plant seeds in a sterile medium inside it the house in a window, in the basement under lights, or in the garden in trays. This way once plants are large enough, they can be transplanted into the garden. Marigolds are terrific for container gardening, sunny borders, or filling in empty areas between other plants. Marigolds do not tolerate frost well so should be planted in the spring after danger of frost. Marigolds like full sun. Seeds can be planted 1/4″ in depth. I generally plant marigolds seeds very close together and then thin them to between 1 inch to 12 inches apart. The amount that you thin them will depend on how dense you want your marigolds to grow. The marigolds in the photo, Happy Days Red, are planted very close together for a more impressive show. Most marigolds bloom at a height of 3 inches to 12 inches. The marigolds in this photo are about three months old, from seed to bloom.
Marigold Happy Days Red in my Garden Border Started from Seed