Vego Garden

16 Sunflower Varieties: Choosing the Right Seeds for Your Home Garden

When you think of sunflowers,you think of the iconic Helianthus annuus blooms with their tall plants with bright yellow petals but really there are more than 25 vairties of sunflowers out there, in all sorts of shapes and sizes, shapes, and colors—from dwarf varieties for small spaces to giant sunflowers that tower over garden beds.

In this blog, we’ll highlight 16 popular sunflower varieties, each with unique features to suit any garden. Whether you’re looking for ornamental sunflowers, dramatic tall varieties, or compact options for containers, there’s a sunflower to brighten every space. 

1. Mammoth Russian

The Mammoth Russian sunflower is one of the tallest sunflower varieties, growing up to 12 feet tall. Its bright yellow blooms and heavy heads are supported by strong stems, making it a standout in any garden. Plant it in a sunny spot after the danger of frost has passed, and enjoy its blooms in mid to late summer. This variety is perfect for seed production, offering edible sunflower seeds for snacks or bird seed to enhance your outdoor space.

2. Velvet Queen

The Velvet Queen sunflower features rich, dramatic deep red petals with a striking brown center, making it a standout among ornamental sunflowers. Growing up to 6 feet tall, this tall sunflower variety is perfect for cut flowers, offering excellent vase life. Like most sunflowers, it thrives when planted after the last frost, with its stunning blooms appearing by midsummer.

3. Lemon Queen

The Lemon Queen sunflower features bright yellow blooms atop sturdy stems, reaching heights of 5-7 feet. This fast-growing annual is perfect for succession planting in flower or garden beds. Plant it in spring when soil temperatures are warm enough for young plants, and enjoy its blooms that thrive well into the summer heat.

16 Sunflower Varieties: Choosing the Right Seeds for Your Home Garden

4. Teddy Bear

A favorite among dwarf varieties, Teddy Bear sunflowers are perfect for smaller gardens or containers. This dwarf variety grows up to 2 feet tall, producing fluffy, golden-yellow blooms that are as soft as they look. Plant these annual sunflowers in a sunny spot with good drainage after the risk of frost has passed. They’re low-maintenance plants, making them an excellent choice for home gardeners with limited space.

5. Sunspot

This dwarf sunflower is perfect for small gardens, limited outdoor spaces, or greenhouses. The Sunspot sunflower grows just 2 feet tall, yet produces large, bright yellow sunflower heads ideal for seed production. Plant it right after the last frost, and enjoy this dwarf variety’s vibrant blooms throughout the summer heat.

6. Autumn Beauty

Autumn Beauty is a vibrant sunflower variety featuring yellow, orange, and burgundy petals. This tall sunflower grows up to 6 feet and creates a stunning display. Plant a single pack of seeds in early spring when the soil temperature warms, and enjoy a spectacular field of blooms during the summer heat.

7. Chianti

Chianti is a striking ornamental sunflower with deep wine-red petals and a pollen-free center, making it a standout among cut flowers. Growing 4-5 feet tall, it’s an exotic choice with a long vase life. Additionally, its robust growth helps with weed control, making it one of the best sunflowers for both beauty and practicality.

8. Skyscraper

Living up to its name, this giant sunflower can reach impressive heights of 14 feet, making it one of the tallest of its kind! With bright yellow petals and large seeds, it’s ideal for producing edible sunflower seeds or bird seed. Plant it in a sunny location after the danger of frost has passed, and ensure proper support for its heavy heads as it grows.

9. Strawberry Blonde

The Strawberry Blonde sunflower stands out with its unique petals in soft pink and yellow tones surrounding a brown center. Growing to a height of 5-6 feet, this variety is day-length neutral, meaning it blooms regardless of daylight duration, providing an extended flowering period. Like most sunflowers, it is pollinator-friendly, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.

10. Dwarf Incredible

As the name suggests, the Dwarf Incredible is one of the smallest sunflower varieties, reaching only about 3 feet tall. Despite its compact size, it produces oversized yellow petals just like the common sunflower varieties. This dwarf sunflower is perfect for smaller gardens, containers, or limited outdoor spaces as long as there is enough light for them to thrive. 

11. Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge sunflowers are prized for their velvety, deep-red petals, making them one of the best varieties of sunflowers for ornamental use. These striking sunflowers grow up to 6 feet tall and bloom beautifully in the summer heat. Thriving in flower beds with good drainage, their dramatic appearance and excellent vase life make them a favorite among gardeners looking for unique cut flowers.

12. Earthwalker

Earthwalker sunflowers are aptly named for their rich, earthy color palette, which mirrors the natural tones of the earth. Their petals showcase warm, autumnal hues such as deep orange, rust, red, and brown, reminiscent of soil, clay, and sunlit landscapes. These impressive sunflowers can grow up to 9 feet tall, making them a striking choice for gardeners seeking a unique and vibrant addition to their sunflower garden.

13. Sunrich Lemon

The Sunrich Lemon sunflower is named for its radiant lemon-yellow petals and sun-loving nature. Its "Sunrich" name highlights its ability to thrive in full sun. With a single stem and excellent vase life, it’s an ideal choice for beautiful, long-lasting cut flower arrangements.

14. Evening Sun

The Evening Sun sunflower is named for its stunning color palette, which resembles the warm hues of a sunset. With red, orange, and yellow petals, this variety creates a beautiful display, especially in the evening light. Growing up to 6 feet tall, it thrives in sunny spots and makes a great addition to flower beds. Plant this fast-growing annual in spring for vibrant summer blooms.

15. Bashful

The Bashful sunflower gets its name from its delicate, soft peachy-yellow petals that exude a subtle, understated beauty. Perfect for adding a gentle touch to garden beds, it grows 5-6 feet tall and thrives in full sun with soil rich in organic matter. Plant after the last frost, and enjoy blooms during the summer heat.

16. Firecracker

The Firecracker sunflower gets its name from its bold, eye-catching yellow petals with red accents, much like a firework bursting in the sky. This is a smaller variety, growing about 4 feet tall and blooming all summer long.

Final Thoughts 

There you have it – the top sunflower varieties that are sure to brighten up any garden! From towering giants to vibrant multi-colored blooms, these unique varieties offer something for every gardener. Whether you're looking for a compact option for small spaces or a dramatic display in your flower beds, you can now confidently choose the perfect sunflower to suit your style!