Description
Best Grown: Outdoors, great for beds, borders, or large containers
Sowing Time: April–May
Plant Out: Late May onwards, once frost risk has passed
Harvest Time: July–September (approx. 8–12 weeks from sowing)
Spacing: Plant 30–45 cm apart, depending on variety
Height: Can grow up to 2.5m tall – will need some staking to reach this height though
Difficulty: Easy
Why grow it?
- Stunning tall flowers that follow the sun
- Bright yellow petals attract bees and pollinators
- Edible seeds for humans and birds
- Great fun for children to grow
- Adds height and dramatic colour to garden borders
How to grow: Sow direct outdoors April–May, or start indoors for an earlier start. Sow seeds 1.5–2 cm deep, spacing 30–45 cm apart. Choose a sunny spot and water regularly. Tall varieties may need staking. Harvest flower heads when seeds are plump and the back of the head turns yellow.
Cooking / usage ideas: Harvest seeds for snacks, baking, or bird feed. Young flower buds are edible steamed like artichokes (for adventurous cooks!).
Seeds per pack: Not specified
Seeds saved by: Jane



