Early-flowering, dwarf and bushy, this eye-catching sunflower boasts a distinctive bronze 'halo' and chocolate coloured, pollen-free centre. Looks impressive in a patio pot, or can be grown as an attractive and unusual annual hedge. Direct sow Sunflower seeds outdoors where they are to grow from April to May. Choose a position in full sun on well drained soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly, at a depth of 1cm (1/2") in drills spaced 45cm (18") apart and cover seed with its own depth of soil to exclude light. Water the ground regularly, especially during dry periods. Germination usually takes up to 21 days. When sunflower seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 30cm (12") apart. Alternatively, sow indoors in individual 7.5cm (3") pots from March to April at a temperature of 20-25C (68-77F). Once germinated, grow sunflower plants on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors after all risk of frost has passed. Feed and water sunflower