Sunflowers: when they're in season in Australia

Sunflowers are at Australian markets from about December to March, peaking in January. Many Melbourne stems come from Sunraysia and around Mildura, and glasshouse growers supply smaller numbers most of the year.

They cope better than most, but they drink a lot. Strip most of the leaves, which lose water fastest, and keep the vase filled high with cool water. Top it up every day in hot weather and change it every two days. Keep the bunch out of direct sun and out of a parked car.

On the Southern Downs, around Allora and Warwick, fields usually flower from late December to March, and January is often the brightest. Each field blooms for about three or four weeks and the timing moves with the weather, so check the region's tourism updates before you drive. The fields are private farms, so view them from the road.

Sunflower fields open to visitors in summer in regional Victoria and south-east Queensland, including farms near Toowoomba. Fields are usually at their best for only two or three weeks, so check the farm's updates before you go.

Around seven to ten days. Strip most of the leaves, use a heavy vase with plenty of water and top it up daily, as the big heads are thirsty.