I'd not think that sunflower seeds stored for 'a few years' in a typical garage would have much of a chance of germinating, so don't be too disappointed if you don't have much luck. Most garages aren't exactly climate controlled, which doesn't bode very well for a seed packet that is a few years old. But, sunflower seed is pretty tough...you never know! Don't treat these differently than you would any sunflower. It's too bad that you don't know that variety name, because that could determine what kind of container to use. Some "mini" varieties will be short but have heads that are quite large, for example. I'd be tempted to sow them inside a few weeks before your average last frost date, and then plant them outside in a sunny location or in a larger container that will adorn a sunny patio or porch. Don't be tempted to grow them inside on a sunny window ledge. You cannot come close to 'full sun all day' conditions inside, no matter how bright a window. I like Bob's idea of ordering some fresh LABELED seeds from a reputable company. The Spring seed catalogs (hard copy and internet) will be out shortly.

Just happen to have these instructions sitting by the computer to try myself. They came from the extension office so it should be reliable :) Roasting Hulled Pumpkin, Squasah or Sunflower seeds To hull seeds in quantity, first break them up with a rolling pin, then drop the seeds and hulls into a large container filled with water. Stir vigorously to bring all kernels in contact with the water and to break the surface tension. The kernals will sink to the bottom, the shells will remain floating. After the seeds have dried they may be roasted in a frying pan at low heat or toasted in a shallow pan in the oven at 325º Mix: 1 cup seeds 2 teaspoons vegetable oil Heat stirring frequently to prevent scorching. the time required will be from 2-6 minutes, depending on the dryness of the seeds.

If drainage is a problem, you can use sand if you create mounds for the plants using a great deal of sand. A little sand can actually make things worse from research I've seen, but if you use something like a third sand by volume, mixed with a third peat and a third soil and create the mounds with this it should work fine. If you make such a mix without building mounds you may create bath tubs that fill with water and drown roots. You can also grow them in pots mixing 50/50- sand to peat and put them half way into existing soil- or make a mix with ground pine bark that is aged for the purpose (this is harder to find but more often used in blueberry production). If you set up a drip system or water them consistently, blueberries grow very well this way, if you put them in big enough pots. 5 gallon pots would support mature plants pretty well. Is your soil clay? Do you know the texture of your soil? This is something that is not at all obvious and people often are confused about the texture of their soil. This is also where your county cooperative extension can provide better advice than you can get on-line- although there are simple tests using dishwater detergent to get a general reading on your soils composition. Drainage is easier, because you can figure out how long it takes to drain after heavy rains or dig a hole and fill it with water several times. Not sure of the exact procedure but it is an easy search for details.

cindjo2~ When you say "plant an inch or so deep" ... do you mean I cover the seed shell that's still encasing the cortyledons an inch or so deep?(in other words I would plant it and not see anything above ground) At that depth will the cortyledons be able to pop up through the surface? Or do you mean plant the roots down into the soil and leave the seed cased cortyledons at ground level or above? I'm so inexperienced I apologize for my dumb questions but I really want these to have a chance to survive. I wish I would have direct sown them as you say but I what started out as an experiment to see how the baggy germination method worked has left me in this situation ... well...um... because it worked! LOL caroline~Wow. Have you got a green thumb to spare?!!!! I could use one right about now. Post us some pictures when you get your sunflower heads!! I hope I can get mine to do what yours are doing.