A SUNFLOWER'S golden head standing proud above all other flowers has been the muse of artists and the envy of gardeners for centuries.

A rapid grower, it can easily reach two metres in height and this year the Guardian, in association with Weaver Vale Garden Centre, is offering a £10 gift voucher to the person who grows the tallest sunflower.

Clare Swatridge, group plants manager at Weaver Vale has some tips on sunflower care for green-fingered gardeners. She said: "It's best to give sunflowers a lot of water, a sunny position and some support because although the stems are strong, as they get taller someone only needs to bump into it for it to break."

Clare also recommends a balanced liquid fertilizer and possibly a spray insecticide.

She said: "The liquid fertilizer is quick-acting and should be given early in the morning or in the evening. This time of day is also best for the insecticide, which will cause the flowers leaves to burn in hot sunlight if given during the day.

"Similarly, these times are best for watering plants because water won't be lost through evaporation."

Originally from North America, the sunflower's seeds, which are rich in calcium and other minerals, were used by native Americans to make food and hair oil.

The seeds can be roasted by covering them with salted water, bringing to the boil and simmering for two hours. After the seeds have been drained and patted dry on absorbent paper put them in a shallow pan in 300 degree F for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown.

To enter our competition, simply let us know when you think your sunflower has reached its peak and we will come along and photograph the most likely contenders. You will need to be able to prove the height of your prize bloom.

Weaver Vale Garden Centre is on Winnington Avenue, Northwich.