Helianthus
Most sunflowers grow quite tall and may cast shade on other plants. They provide beauty to your garden and are a food source for birds and squirrels. They are entirely edible with a bittersweet flavor. From roots to leaf, sprout to stalk, you can use your sunflowers to make everything from salads, and sunflower tea to rich sunflower oil. Seeds are edible with larger, gray, and white striped seeds meatier and tastier than the smaller dark oilseed varieties. The petals add a pretty pop of color on salads and desserts. The young, sunflower buds are edible, with a flavor similar to artichoke hearts. They can be grilled, marinated, or sauteed for an unusual appetizer or side dish.
Inside sow: Tuck the seeds into pots around the time of your last spring frost. 
Transplant: Ground temp of between  60° - 70°
Outside sow: Plant sunflowers in late spring, once the ground is nice and warm.