[BumbleJo]

Hi folks. I like to try different types of sunflower, I'm always looking for the best to cut for the house.  This year I grew 4 varieties, with each one I started half in pots and sowed the other half direct, then put them together in 4 groups. The difference is amazing.  One lot has much bigger better flowers, bigger stronger plants and flower later.  Much the best.  However...I can't remember which ones were sown direct and which in pots    I think it was the direct sown ones that are the best but can't be sure! Want to get it right for next year, any thoughts anyone?  Thanks.

[Flowertot]

I suspect you're right about it being the direct sown ones which have done best. This year I carefully nurtured 2 varieties of sunflowers for cutting - Valentine and Vanilla Ice - from seed to seedlings, to potting on, to planting them out. They are nowhere near as tall and strong as the motley crew of self-sown ones which popped up from last year and my son transplanted as seedlings "to save them" from me  as they were growing in amongst the potatoes.

[mumofstig]

Yup, self sown ones in the garden are better than the 'cared for' ones on the plot 

[BumbleJo]

Thanks folks, really pleased to hear that.  Won't bother faffing with pots next year
I'm having a go with Vanilla Ice Flowertot, what must be the direct sown ones are just coming into there own, looking really good.