Sunflowers

Sunflowers can be propagated from seed or cuttings. 

From seed 

1. Harvest the seeds when the head turns brown and the back turns yellow.
2. Protect the seeds from birds with netting or bags.
3. Cut the head and remove the seeds.
4. Dry the seeds on a towel.
5. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.
6. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil, 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart.
7. Water well and wait for sprouts.
8. Thinning may be necessary.

From cuttings 

1. Select a 4–6 inch stem with no flower buds.
2. Remove all but 2–3 leaves, exposing the nodes.
3. Cut off the top half-inch of the stem.
4. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone.
5. Plant the leafless section of the cutting in a potting mix of sand and peat moss.
6. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag.
7. Place the cutting in a warm area with indirect sunlight.
8. Check for roots after 2–4 weeks.
9. Transplant the cutting outdoors into light shade for a week.
10. Gradually expose the cutting to more direct sunlight until it can tolerate full sun.