Sow some early sunshine

It is always a joy to start your sunflowers,

- Ruth Hayes

WHO doesn't love W sunflowers, those lofty sentries standing guard over the summer garden, so easy to grow, so cheery to see.

This week I have been starting my sunflowers in pots because past experience has taught me that small seedlings in the soil can swiftly fall prey to slugs and snails.

This year I am trying a new annual variety called 'Desire Red'. This award-winning plant is dwarf, growing to 28in (70cm), and produces a profusion of dramatic dark red flowers through summer that look amazing in pots and borders and are popular with pollinators.

'Desire Red' (available as plants from plantsofdistinction is the latest in a long line of sunflowers that have moved from the traditional giant yellow 'dinner plate', though these are still hugely popular, especially with children who love the challenge of growing skyscraping varieties such as 'American Giant'.