Need a burst of sunshine in your garden? Or something a little different and absolutely breathtaking? Sunflowers are both stunning and practical, they feed the birds and bees, provide delicious seeds for us, can be pressed for golden oil, and bring a touch of majestic beauty to any space.

You can choose from compact dwarf types or towering giants that can reach over 5 metres tall, and plenty of in-between varieties, all of them striking and full of charm.

Because they love the sun, sunflowers should be sown directly in the spot where they will grow best. In most parts of South Africa, plant from late August to mid-February. Plant once the danger of frost has passed and the days are warm. Ideal soil temperatures for germination are between 13 °C and 16 °C. In frost-free, subtropical regions, you can extend sowing into early autumn for a later display.

Sunflowers can handle a few points of frost while they are maturing, just as long as it's not an extended cold snap.