Helianthus 'Stella Gold'

Sunflowers are among the easiest and most rewarding annuals to grow. They're also some of the tallest, with many varieties producing huge, saucer-shaped yellow flowers that tower over other plants in the border.

Helianthus annuus 'Stella Gold' grows to a height of up to 200cm and bears huge, pollen-less yellow daisy type flowers on single stems. The petal are thin and twisted, resembling a cactus dahlia. It's ideal for goring at the back of the herbaceous border, and makes an interesting cut flower.

For best results, sow Helianthus annuus 'Stella Gold' seed in individual 10cm pots of moist seed compost in April to May, cover with cling film and place on a sunny windowsill or greenhouse bench. Remove the cling film once the seeds have germinated, and water plants regularly, allowing the water to drain. Pot on into larger pots with multipurpose compost, before eventually planting outside once all risk of frost has passed.