I don't stake mine. They will support themselves until they start forming seeds and then the head will bend the stock over as the seed heads get heavier. By this time the flower is usually spent any way so it doesn't matter to me. I'll tie it up if it's in the way, other wise I just let nature take it's course. This makes it harder for the birds to get at the seeds and the seeds will disperse beneath the plant for the future generation. I you plan to harvest the seeds, I recommend that you tie a paper bag over the head and secure it with a rubber band. This keeps the birds off, but lets the seeds dry naturally. The seeds are ready when the shells are showing the black and white markings and the shells are dry. If you pick too early, the shells are normal but the seeds inside will be small and of little use for eating. I "made sunflower seeds" for the neighborhood kids this weekend and just one of the medium size heads had over three hundred seeds. I planted over a dozen plants all over the yard and depending on water and sunlight they all bloomed at different intervals. The plants that received sun all day and daily watering have the largest flowers and seed heads 12" to 16". The plants that received all day sun and water every other day are the tallest (16Â) and had flowers 10" -12". Almost all the other which received a combination of shade and sun averaged 6Â tall with the flowers averaging 8" to 10".

Orange upper left and/or upper right: maybe charles grimaldi ?? (this is the one I know) Here is a picture (If you can not see it in your email, you may need to go to the gardenweb site to view it on the message board) I love the pink one you have (2nd one). Any chance that you would could share some cutting material ? (I am not asking for the plant or a rooted cutting, but next time you prune, I would love to get a piece of wood wrapped in a moist papertowel) ?? (I would naturally return the favor).

Thank you, That helps alot. I tried comparing to online prices but found nothing as large or as mature as what I have here. Guess I can try at this price and if it doesn't sell lower it and try again. Joy

I just completed a plant trade with Jean. She sent enormous divisions of some wonderful perennials. She has a great sense of humor judging from her e-mails. Thanks for a great plant trade, Jean. Hope we can trade again. Maria