Aimee Stern. I have been working with scientists and engineers on explaining their research and other work to the general public for almost a decade. I've explained the science of many things and how they connect to the real lives of real people.
Sunflower seeds are best sown outdoors directly into the garden. After planting, cover them with a screen, as the birds and animals love to dig the seeds out. You can also start them in a seedbed and transfer them when they are small. If you plant sunflowers indoors, use individual peat pots. Start two to three weeks before the last frost date for your area. Plant one or two seeds per pot, thinning to one before planting outdoors. If you grow them to feed the birds, look for seedlings growing near the base of last year's crop.
Sunflower sprouts are also easy to grow indoors. Soak one cup of unhulled, natural and unroasted sunflower seeds overnight in a mason jar. Place a planting tray with holes onto a solid tray to ensure good drainage. Fill the planting tray with an inch of dirt, watering it well. Drain your soaked sunflower seeds, and spread them over the dirt in an even layer.