Sunflower Teddy Bear F1 | Helianthus annuus | Sunflower for container, garden

Sunflower Teddy Bear F1

Helianthus annuus · Compact sunflower for containers & gardens

Sunflower Teddy Bear F1 is a charming, compact and bushy sunflower producing an abundance of soft, fluffy, fully double blooms in bright sunflower yellow. The rounded, pom-pom–like flowers have the cheerful face of a classic sunflower, but with a uniquely plush texture that makes this variety especially popular with children, sensory gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings.

Plants are well-branched, fast growing, and easy to cultivate, thriving in beds, pots, and containers. With short, sturdy stems and a tidy habit, Teddy Bear F1 is ideal for small gardens, balconies, mass plantings, and short-stemmed cut flowers.

Plant Information

• Scientific name: Helianthus annuus
• Common name: Sunflower
• Variety: Teddy Bear F1
• Life cycle: Annual
• Plant height: ~45 cm
• Flower colour: Bright yellow
• Flower form: Fully double, fluffy pom-pom
• Bloom habit: Well-branched
• Pollinator friendly: Attracts bees & butterflies

Growing Information

• Light preference: Full sun
• Soil: Light, well-drained soil with low to moderate fertility
• Days to maturity: ~65–75 days
• Days to germination: 7–14 days at 21–24 °C

Sowing

• Direct sow (recommended):
  Sow after last frost, 1/2″ (1–1.5 cm) deep, in groups of 3–4 seeds. Thin to one plant when true leaves appear.

• Transplanting:
  Sow in final containers (1 seed per 15 cm pot or 3 seeds per 1-gallon container) 3–4 weeks before planting out.
  Dislikes root disturbance — if transplanting to beds, wait until plants have 3–4 true leaves.

Growing On

• Day temperature: 21–27 °C
• Night temperature: 10–16 °C
• Warmer conditions encourage stretching; cooler conditions keep plants compact and dwarf.

Spacing

• Plant spacing: 20–30 cm
• Space plants so leaves do not touch. Crowding results in taller plants with weaker stems.

Harvest & Use

• Fresh cuts: Harvest as flowers begin to open
• Dried flowers: Harvest fully open blooms; air-dry or use silica gel
• Uses: Containers, beds, pots, mass plantings, short-stemmed cut flowers, sensory gardens

Why Grow Teddy Bear F1?

• Compact, bushy plants with strong stems
• Soft, fluffy double blooms
• Fast growing and drought tolerant once established
• Excellent for children’s gardens and sensory planting
• Ideal for pots, containers, and small spaces