10 Best Sunflowers to Grow at Home {Easy + Gorgeous + Versatile)
Find the best sunflowers to grow in your backyard in these handpicked choices.
In your garden or kitchen counter, sunflowers are the happiest flower of all. Of course, you know the classic yellow, but there are TONS to choose from.
You can find dwarfs and giants and plum and pale yellow. But you don’t need to weed through all of them. I found the best.
Get ready to transform your outdoor space with these beautiful, cheerful blooms. These are a mixing of branching and single-stem types on this list. If you just want one or the other, that’s okay! You can get different colors in each type. And, hey why not get the kids involved?! It will be great for both of you!
procut orange
Procut orange is THE classic sunflower. If I could only grow one, it would be this. Single stem, pollenless, and quick growing, everyone should make room for these. Keep in mind each seed will produce one flower, so you’ll want a bunch. Plant in waves so you can enjoy them all summer and fall.
Teddy bear Sunflowers
Teddy Bear Sunflowers are fluffy and fun. They are perfect for small gardens with limited space. These sunflowers are shorter than the tall ones, growing only 2-3 feet in height. Their fluffy, double blooms make them stand out. The blooms resemble soft, cuddly teddy bears. . Novice gardeners or those who want a whimsical touch can grow and maintain them.
Autumn Beauty
Autumn Beauty Sunflowers are a vibrant celebration of the colorful season of fall. Each plant produces a variety of hues, ranging from warm yellows to deep reds and rich oranges. This variety adds a vibrant splash of color to any garden and can grow up to 6 feet tall. . Autumn Beauty is more than a pretty sight. It also brings life and movement to your garden by attracting pollinators.
American Giant
American Giant Sunflowers are tall and strong, living up to their name in the garden. This type of sunflower is famous for growing very tall, often reaching heights of over 10 feet. It has big, traditional sunflower heads. These plants are strong and can live in any weather, which makes them great for gardeners. The American Giant has lots of large seeds, great for harvesting or leaving for the birds in winter.
pro cut white nite sunflowers
White Nite brings a subtle and elegant touch to your garden. The flowers have white petals and a dark center, unlike any other variety. These flowers go nicely with others and add variety to a collection of sunflowers. (P.S. White Litehas a pale center and is also gorgeous!)
Moulin Rouge sunflower
The Moulin Rouge Sunflower has beautiful deep burgundy petals, perfect for any garden. These sunflowers stand out with their rich, velvet-like appearance, creating a bold statement. Moulin Rouge sunflowers look different from normal ones. They don’t have a big center. Instead, their petals are tightly packed, making them look full and lush. They are excellent for attracting pollinators.
Lemon Queen
The Lemon Queen Sunflower is a beautiful type of sunflower that adds a soft touch to the usual bright yellow ones. Its pale lemon-yellow petals, encircling a chocolate-brown center, provide a soft, serene vibe. They are a branching type that is especially productive. They produce many flowers per plant over the course of the season.
Strawberry blonde sunflowers
Strawberry Blonde sunflowers are popular for their unique color blend. The flower has pink and yellow petals with a dark center, making it look beautiful. Many people who collect sunflowers love this variety for its beautiful colors that carry you right up to fall. The sunflowers are also pretty as cut flowers, adding a special touch to any flower arrangement. They are a branching type that will produce many blooms.
Choco sun
Choco Sun Sunflower is an unusual (and charming!) dwarf variety. It’s great for people with limited space or who like container gardening. These sunflowers have bright yellow petals and a chocolate-brown center. They are smaller, growing only 2 to 3 feet tall. Choco Sun is perfect for balconies, patios, or small garden beds. It adds a cheerful touch without taking up too much space. This type of plant is good for children to plant because it is small and easy to take care of.
Ring of Fire Sunflower
The sunflower has a unique pattern. Its center is dark brown, surrounded by a ring of bright red. The red then turns into golden yellow tips. The contrast of colors creates a stunning visual effect that resembles a ring of fire. These sunflowers are usually 4 to 6 feet tall, which is great for garden beds and borders. They have a medium height that is. versatile and easy to harvest. It also has strong stems and flowers that last a long time, making it perfect for bouquets. This way, you can bring some garden beauty inside your home.
How do you pick the right type for you?
Honestly, it’s personal preference. You are growing sunflowers for joy and beauty. Pick what brings you joy and what you find beautiful. Simple as that.
I recommend picking a few from this list and then one of two that are brand new to you. Gardens evolve year after year as you learn more and your tastes change. That’s a good thing!
6 Pcs Kitchen Towels Sunflower Dish Towels Sunflower Absorbent Hand Towel Decorative Tea Towels Reusable Fast Drying Cleaning Dishcloths for Kitchen Summer Truck Housewarming Gifts 15.75 x 23.62”Norpro Melamine 1017 Grip-EZ Mixing Bowl, 4 quart, Yellow, 3.8 litersBritimes Apron Home Kitchen Cooking Baking Gardening for Women Men with Pockets Sunflower Flower Summer Vintage Spring 32×28 inch
Where are the best places to buy sunflower seeds?
I have a few favorites!
- Johnny’s Selected Seeds
- Burpee
- Park Seeds
- Territorial Seed Company
More sunflower guides
Ordering your sunflower seeds is the most fun part, but there’s a lot more to learn.
- My Guide to Growing Sunflowers dives deep on how to plant, care for, and harvest sunflowers.
- The Flower Gardener’s Bible is a useful book for all flower gardeners. This guide has tips for preparing soil, planting, and caring for sunflowers.
- Want a Cutting Garden Plan to copy? Use one of mine!
- Most states have a Cooperative Extension System with gardening advice on their websites. These websites provide helpful information on caring for sunflowers in your area. This can help you find what sunflower varieties are best for your location.
I hope you’ve found a few types of sunflowers that speak to you. These flowers attract wildlife, add beauty, and provide a tasty snack for you or the birds.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.
