Renee's Garden Ornamental Sunflower, Chocolate Cherry

Soil & Water:Make several sowings 3 weeks apart to have a succession of bloom. Keep soil moist and well-weeded and protect seedlings from hungry birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. No extra amendment is needed unless soil is poor and could benefit from a pelleted, slow release balanced fertilizer.

Planting & Growing:To Plant Outdoors: Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled both day and night and all danger of frost has passed. Poke seeds into well-worked soil 1/2" deep and 4 - 5" apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until germination in 8 - 10 days. Thin to 12" apart so plants have ample room to grow. To Start Indoors: Several weeks before the last frost date, sow seeds 1/2" deep in individual pots of well-drained seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside when seedlings are large enough to handle. When weather has warmed into the 50°F range, transplant 12" apart in full sun, disturbing the roots as little as possible.