is it too late to sow sunflowers

I sowed some sunflowers about a month ago and they are truly terrible. About 2 mm off the ground now. I want to start again with a different variety. can anyone recommend a reliable, fast growing one. I 'm not going for the tallest sunflower competition, just want something pretty and easy to grow.

i find that soaking the seeds until they sprout and plant the ones that do into some compost and then plant them out. i get great results this way and they will grow right up to the first frosts.