10 Best Types of Sunflowers for Home Gardens

“There’s nothing like growing big, beautiful sunflowers,” says Baillie Blankenship, a horticulturist who previously worked at Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. in Mansfield, Missouri. “They’re so nostalgic and often the very first seeds we sow.” All summer long, she loves cutting sunflower bouquets to bring indoors, watching an abundance of butterflies and bees visit them in the garden, and later seeing birds feast on their seeds.

At home and work, Blankenship tries sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) in a variety of sizes and colors to fit multiple uses. Check out her 10 favorite sunflower varieties.

01 of 10

Taiyo

This magnificent Japanese heirloom sunflower reigns as a cut flower, with classic golden petals, a dark disc and single stem. Blankenship especially appreciates the flowers’ “super geometric,” bull's-eye centers. Each plant produces one large 8-10” flower. Height: 6-7’.

Pro Tip: Since single-stem sunflowers like Taiyo produce just one flower, try planting seeds every 10-14 days for a continuous supply of blooms.

02 of 10

Teddy Bear Dwarf

Teddy Bear Sunflower — Teddy Bear.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. / rareseeds.com

Kids of all ages adore the shaggy blooms of this dwarf variety. The branching plant produces multiple 3-6” double yellow blooms. Teddy Bear is a perfect choice for containers or mixed borders. Height: 18-24”.

03 of 10

Chocolate Cherry

Not your typical golden sunflower, this stunner turns heads with its deep cherry wine-color petals and dark, ringed center. Blankenship says the intense colors don’t fade in the bright sun. Also, as a branching variety, Chocolate Cherry produces multiple flowers that are long-lasting in a vase. Height: 6-7’.

Pro Tip: Branching varieties like Chocolate Cherry produce multiple blooms over a long period of time but require more space. Plant seeds at least 18” apart.

04 of 10

Double Sun King

These super cheery double sunflowers impress with their bright gold blooms atop single stems. Blankenship calls them the “momma version of the teddy bear sunflowers.” She suggests pairing them in the garden with single bloomers like Autumn Beauty for a contrasting combination. Height: 6’

05 of 10

Evening Sun

This gorgeous branching variety produces a season-long profusion of sunset-hued flowers. The medium-large blooms feature dark centers and a ring of petals in burgundy, rust, bronze, bright yellow and crimson with many being bi-colored. Height: 7’.

Pro Tip: Evening Sun’s branching habit makes an excellent privacy screen along a patio or property line.

06 of 10

Mammoth Grey Stripe

Wow your neighbors with this giant sunflower variety that soars to massive heights. The plants produce delicious seeds on heads that average 12 inches. Bees love these pollen-rich sunflowers too. Height: 10’.

Pro Tip: To reach maximum height, water regularly and feed every week with a diluted liquid fertilizer. Stake plants as they become taller and more top-heavy.

07 of 10

Autumn Beauty

This late bloomer offers a bounty of blooms in yellow, bronze and purple shades. The flowers are good for bee forage and are also edible. Try frying the flower buds, tossing the bittersweet petals in salads or garnishing desserts with petals. Height: 60-70”.

Pro Tip: Wait to plant seeds until July 4th for a September show. They’re the perfect choice for a sunflower patch.

08 of 10

Hopi Black Dye

Hope Black Dye Sunflower — Hopi Black Dye.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. / rareseeds.com

This brilliant obsidian-black seeded sunflower has long been used by the Hopi people for dying fibers and is still used today by crafters who appreciate the grey to deep purple eco-dye colors. Beyond function, these medium to large sunflower heads are striking in the garden. Height: 8’.

Pro Tip: Leave a few seedheads standing in the garden at the end of the season. Birds love their black seeds.

09 of 10

Red Sun

This stately branching plant is covered with dozens of ornamental blooms in reddish orange. This sunflower variety makes a great cut flower and offers fall color late into the season. Height: 5-6’.

10 of 10

Astra Rose

For a delightful twist on the sunflower, try this quirky variety with pastel, ruffled petals. Blankenship says pollinators find the blooms irresistible. While pint-sized, the multi-branching plant produces plenty of smaller blooms in pink and creamy white. Height: 3.5’.

Learn More: Visit Baker Creek’s historic homestead and gardens outside Mansfield, Missouri, to see plenty of sunflowers and shop the store’s collection of 1,000 heirloom seeds. Check the website for a list of events and festivals.

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