Sunflowers

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.

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