These Plants Live to Soak Up Rays

Sunflowers have one major requirement. You guessed it--plenty of sun.

Rake up an area of bare soil in the sunniest part of your yard, broadcast the sunflower seeds, scratch a little dirt back over them, apply water regularly and stand back. That’s really all there is to it, claim experienced sunflower growers.

When hard pressed, they will admit to a few small problems. Birds may eat your seeds (unless you have a cat patrolling the yard) so it’s best to do your sowing late in the day after birds have roosted for the night. Be prepared to put out bait for snails when your seedlings first emerge. In just a few weeks, though, the plants will be tough enough to be impervious to these garden pests.

Like hollyhocks, some sunflowers are subject to rust. Most gardeners, however, have a casual attitude about it and just pluck off the offending leaves.

Sunflowers, after all, are the epitome of summer and they, like it, are meant to be carefree.