Q&A for How to Protect Sunflowers from Squirrels

No. If pests eat the head of a young plant it will not grow back.

No.

You can start them inside a few weeks before your area's last frost date, but they can still be munched on if they are small and tender, just like the seeds when they are planted. If the head of the sunflower is eaten, there are some varieties of sunflowers that are branching varieties, which means pinching the main head leads to more shoots. I just planted some seedlings I started in trays to give a head start and they got munched on. I plan on trying to replant some with a milk half gallon container around them, or using some pea netting until they're big enough to be on their own.

Apply a hot seed spray to your sunflower. These sprays are non-toxic and can keep the squirrels from eating the sunflower seeds. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper directly onto the blooms.