I really, really like sunflowers, however.. have had very little luck growing them.

Do most people start them inside and then transfer them out or just plant the seeds directly in the soil? In the past, the ones I've planted inside, never seem to do very well once I moved them outside.

Any recommendations or lessons's learned for getting a really nice batch of sunflowers?

Thank you!!
Scott

Harden off = slowly acclimating them to the outside elements

Why not try to grow them outside in a container of some sort.

Also, what goes wrong outside... do animals eat them? do they just fall over in the sun? disease?

That will help narrow down some things

Keriann~

Try planting them 1-3.5in into the soil if you are using a large container or not using a container at all, however if you are planting them in a small container then I reccomend 1-2cm deep.
Do a soil pH test, the ideal pH for sunflowers is 5.0-7.0, to raise the pH of the soil, use wood ash to lower it use coffee grounds. Here is a link with a chart for plants and recommended pH levels: http://www.eutechinst.com/tips/ph/15_soil_ph.pdf
Good Luck!
~Lindsey:)