I really like sunflowers, they’re so bright and cheery and I grew several from seed this year. They were “Velvet Queen”, which has a strong red flush to the petals so they’re not the usual vivid yellow colour but appear aflame in the sunlight.

Once the flowers died I left the heads on and let them go to seed because,

1. When they brown and dry, they look very architectural over the winter
2. Birds will be very happy to find sunflower heads full of seeds over the winter
3. It’s less work
4. FREE seeds for next year

I’ve seen house sparrows sit on the top of the heads and pivot over to get at the seeds. I’m glad I planted them and although we already have feeders I’m also glad that I left the seed heads for the birds after the flowers had finished.