By Rachel Barton
We are delighted to announce our 5th annual Hassocks Goes Gold Sunflower Growing Competition. Could you be the lucky winner of the tallest or prettiest sunflower in 2024?
The competition is open to all ages and to anyone living in Hassocks. Also eligible are any children who attend a school in Hassocks (whether they live in the village or not). We encourage entrants to plant sunflowers in front gardens if possible so that Hassocks residents can enjoy the flowers. Many thanks to our sponsor Matt from Maple Leaf Gardens who has generously agreed to support this competition again.
To enter, post your sunflower photo (and sunflower height in centimetres if entering the tallest sunflower category) on the Hassocks Goes Gold Facebook page or email to sunflowers4hassocks@gmail.com. The closing date is 24th August. Winners will be announced on 1st September to mark the beginning of Hassocks Goes Gold month. Good luck!
Tips for successful sunflowers!
By Matt of Maple Leaf Gardens
• Plant outside six inches apart for smaller varieties, 12 for larger
• Plant one to two inches deep
• Protect from frost, if forecast, and slugs (use grit, strulch, coffee grounds, and secateurs!)
• Sow in nine cm pots in greenhouse or cold frame to get a head start and greater protection. They can be potted on once more before planting out
• Choose a sunny position, water regularly and feed with tomato feed
• Stake securely especially for tall varieties
• Seek out orange and red varieties for something a little different