Why can't I get sunflowers

This year I planned to have masses of sunflowers. I planted them outside in individual pots. We had massive rains. One germinated and then died. What did I do wrong?

It could have been all the rain, too much water can make things rot (both the seedling that germinated and the seeds that hadn't sprouted yet).

Thanks, ecrane, next year I may start them inside in individual cups. I was so disappointed!

Normally I don't think you'd have trouble starting them outdoors, the rain that some areas got this year was really unusual and I've seen lots of people posting about various problems they've had in their gardens that seemed to be caused by excessive rain. Since it sounds like you're starting them in pots, I'd just make sure to bring them under an overhang or rig up a cover over them if you get another super rainy spell like what you had this year.

I agree with ecrane, probably too much moisture. The other thing you might try is planting them directly, i've had more luck with sowing sunflowers in-situ, or directly in the ground. they grow pretty fast so i would think even a short growing season would be long enough. Good luck! I've found that sometimes all it takes is a change in location and my failures become success'.

I agree that in-situ planting would be best unless you have such heavy clay that it stays saturated with water when it rains a lot. Then, I would just mix a bag of garden soil with a little of the top clay to form a slight mound so there would be some drainage. Sunflower seeds sprout quickly, even more quickly after a 24 hour prep in a damp paper towel. Try again, you can still have them!. Also, I think they like a lot of fertilizer.

BTW, the deer ate all mine this year so I got only 3 plants from the bird feeder spillage.