Your comments and tips

05 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Yes, if it is a Jerusalem artichoke it will come up again; indeed any small tubers left in the ground will come up! Save or leave some tubers in the ground for next season. If it is a Globe artichoke (like a big thistle plant), leave the leaves to help replenish the plant for next season. Trust this helps.

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28 Sep 16, Samantha (Australia - temperate climate)

I have sunflowers but im confuse what kind of variety it is. Its flower size like my head and the flower sorrounded by small sunflowers like a crown. Just imagine a big sunflower sorrounded by small sunflowers in the tip of petals

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02 Oct 16, Josie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

I have had the same when I harvested the seeds from the King sunflowers from the season before and planted them. They look mutant !

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04 Oct 16, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

Maybe an F1 hybrid so they won't grow true in following generations?

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20 Sep 16, Jaxon K (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)

How do i protect the sunflower heads from birds

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01 Oct 16, May (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

If you want to save the seeds before the birds eat them, you can tie lightweight bags, made of gauze or something that can breathe and allow sun through around the flower heads, though it is not as pretty as having the flowers out in the open. Reflective surfaces that move in the wind and reflect flares of sunlight are supposed to also deter birds, because it irritates them or creates the illusion of fire... I know some people hang old cd's amongst their plants, but I haven't tried it, because again, not so pretty.. Not sure if it works and obviously when it is overcast and there's no wind, there won't be any movement or bright light to reflect.. But maybe worth a try?

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13 Apr 16, Susan Stewart (Australia - temperate climate)

Is the sunflower root edible? If so, is it similar to the helianthus variety known as Jerusalem Artichoke?

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10 Feb 16, Beverley Hall (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

What month is best to plant sunflower seeds?

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09 Feb 16, linn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

hi there, i live in broome in north western australia, was wondering when is the best time to plant sunflowers

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10 Mar 15, (Australia - temperate climate)

I am trying to grow giant sunflowers from seed I purchased at a reputable seed dealer, I can get a 40% germination rate in seed pots but the seedlings are very leggy and tend to lay down at 7.5cm high. In the ground I did get three to sprout, quite upright about 10cm high but then nothing. No further growth for around around four weeks. What am I doing wrong? Good quality potting soil, slow release in soil and I also use fish emulsion about every 8 weeks. All my other plants in the garden and pots are thriving. Any ideas? Please

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