This year I grew the double sunflowers starburst lemon aura and a few teddybears, For single sunflowers I harvest before all the petals have lifted from the center, otherwise I get too much insect damage. I am finding the doubles get insect damage very early as insects seem to like the soft, petal-like centers and I am unsure about the earliest harvest stage for them. Any advice?

I just cut some that were still very tight to see whether or not they open, but I am not feeling optimistic. If it does work out, I have plenty more that should be cut now.

By the way, Teddybear hasn't been too great for cutting as the stems are short anyways. Some side shoots are ok. I am finding, in general, I don't much like these doubles!