Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil
Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches
Mix in compost if the soil is poor
Plant sunflower seeds 1 to 2 inches deep
Space seeds 6 to 12 inches apart for smaller varieties
Space seeds 12 to 24 inches apart for larger varieties
Cover the seeds with soil and press lightly
Water the soil gently after planting
Keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout
Thin seedlings if multiple plants grow too close together
Water regularly as the plants grow
Support tall sunflower varieties with stakes if needed
Remove weeds around the plants
Harvest seeds when the flower head turns brown and dry