Growing sunflowers in pots

No garden? No problem. A balcony, doorstep or patio is plenty to grow a cheerful sunflower — and yes, you can still enter it on Sunometer.

Pick a pot-friendly variety

Compact and dwarf varieties are made for containers: Teddy Bear, Sunspot, Big Smile, Suntastic and Little Becka stay short and sturdy. You can grow taller types in a big enough pot, but the true giants really want open ground and deep roots. (See types.)

Get the pot right

• Bigger is better. A dwarf needs at least a 30 cm (12 in) wide, deep pot; taller types want 40 cm+ and a heavy, stable base so wind can't tip them.
• Drainage is essential — make sure there are holes in the bottom.
• Use a good peat-free multipurpose compost.

Water and feed more than you'd think

Pots dry out fast in summer — check daily and water when the top of the compost feels dry, but don't let it sit soggy. Container compost runs out of nutrients quickly, so give a regular liquid feed once the plant is growing well.

Position & support

Full sun, sheltered from strong wind (a wall at its back helps). Stake taller plants, and stand the pot somewhere it won't blow over.