Aw...that's too bad. They seem like a great idea, but if they don't work in practice...
You wouldn't think sunflowers would be too picky. We always had volunteers in odd places from birds dropping the seeds.
The sunflowers that grow under the squirrel feeder never seem to make it past sprout stage. I wonder if it moved the squirrel feeder out into the sun and actually watered them, if they'd grow.
I'm guessing the problem is more the soil rather than the seedballs themselves. If I can get some work done on that this fall, I may try again next year.
But it's still early, and now at least, there's no question about whether they're getting enough water.
The caladium and elephant ear(s) I planted out front are finally coming up. The ones in the pots have been up for a while.