If you are looking for something both beautiful and unique to plant in your flowerbeds or garden this year – then look no further than Teddy Bear Sunflowers!
With their soft, fluffy blooms that resemble golden pom-poms, Teddy Bear sunflowers add a playful yet elegant look anywhere they bloom and flower. From attracting pollinators to producing long-lasting cut flowers and even providing seeds to save for future seasons, this sunflower variety truly does it all.
Teddy Bear sunflowers are a dwarf sunflower variety with fully double blooms. Instead of the classic sunflower look with a dark center surrounded by petals, the bloom head is packed with layers of soft yellow petals that create a rounded, fluffy appearance.
From a distance, they often resemble giant marigolds or chrysanthemums, but up close, their sunflower heritage is unmistakable. And does it ever add huge color, interest and beauty!
Growing Teddy Bear Sunflowers
Teddy Bear sunflower plants typically grow between two and three feet tall, making them far more manageable than traditional sunflowers. Their compact size allows them to fit easily into mixed flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, and even large containers.
In the garden, the sunflowers create a soft, full appearance that adds texture as well as color. Their rounded blooms sit above sturdy stems covered in lush green leaves, creating a balanced and attractive plant from top to bottom.
Because they stay shorter, they blend easily with other flowers rather than towering over them. Unlike towering sunflower varieties that produce one large bloom and finish, Teddy Bear sunflowers often produce multiple blooms over time, giving gardeners a longer flowering window.
The branching habit makes them especially appealing for those who enjoy cutting flowers regularly. With proper harvesting, plants continue producing blooms well into the growing season.
Why Teddy Bear Sunflowers Are Excellent For Pollinators
Teddy Bear’s work beautifully along garden borders, near walkways, or as part of a pollinator-friendly planting. Their bright golden color brings warmth to the garden and pairs especially well with zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, and ornamental grasses.
Sunflowers are great for attracting pollinators, and Teddy Bear sunflowers are no exception. Once the blooms begin to open, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects quickly find them. Even with their double blooms, Teddy Bear sunflowers still offer pollen that pollinators actively seek.
Planting Teddy Bear sunflowers near vegetable gardens can increase pollinator activity in the area. That, of course, can lead to better fruit production on crops.
The Perfect Cut Flower
One of the biggest reasons gardeners fall in love with Teddy Bear sunflowers is their usefulness as cut flowers. Their fluffy, rounded blooms add texture and interest to bouquets, making them stand out from traditional sunflower arrangements.
Because the plants produce multiple blooms, you can harvest flowers regularly without sacrificing the entire plant. Stems are strong enough to hold the blooms upright in arrangements, and when cut at the right stage, they last surprisingly well in a vase.
For best results, harvest flowers in the early morning. This is when they are just beginning to open and full of moisture. Regular cutting will encourage the plant to continue producing new blooms throughout the season.
Planting
Teddy Bear sunflowers are best planted by direct seeding rather than starting indoors. Plant seeds about half an inch to one inch deep and gently water the soil after planting. They germinate quickly and establish strong roots when planted directly into the garden.
Seeds should be planted after the danger of frost has passed and once the soil has warmed. Affiliate Seed Link: Teddy Bear Sunflower Seeds – Heirloom Flower Seeds
Like all sunflowers, Teddy Bear sunflowers thrive in full sun. They need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day to grow strong and produce abundant blooms. More sunlight generally results in healthier plants and better flowering.
Soil quality also plays an important role. Teddy Bear sunflowers prefer well-draining soil that is moderately fertile. While they are not overly picky, heavy or compacted soil can slow growth and reduce bloom production. Mixing compost into the soil before planting is a good idea. It will improve drainage and create an ideal growing environment.
Maintaining Sunflowers Throughout the Season
Once established, Teddy Bear sunflowers are relatively low-maintenance. Watering is especially important during the early growth stages. Young plants need evenly moist soil to establish strong roots.
As plants mature, they benefit from deep, occasional watering rather than frequent shallow watering. This encourages deeper root growth and stronger plants. During hot summer weather, plants may wilt slightly in the afternoon, but that is completely normal.
Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds. Organic mulches such as straw, shredded leaves, or compost work especially well.
Sunflowers generally do not require heavy fertilization. Too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Compost added at planting time is often sufficient, but a light feeding may help if plants appear pale or slow growing.
How To Save Seeds
Saving seeds from Teddy Bear sunflowers allows you to grow future plants for free. To save seeds, allow some blooms to remain on the plant until they mature fully. Over time, the back of the flower head will turn brown, and the petals will dry and fall away.
As seeds mature, birds often take notice, so protecting seed heads with breathable coverings can help preserve them. Once the flower head is dry, you can remove it from the plant. It’s best to then allow it to dry further in a well-ventilated space.
When fully dry, seeds can be removed by rubbing them loose from the flower head. After allowing seeds to dry completely, store them in a cool, dry location. For more, see our article: How To Harvest, Dry & Roast Sunflower Seeds.
It’s important to note that saved seeds may not always produce identical flowers if cross-pollination occurred, but they will still grow into beautiful sunflowers with their own unique characteristics.
Here is to growing Teddy Bear Sunflowers this year in your garden. And – to adding a little uniqueness in the process!
Simple Garden Life
Follow Our Facebook Page For Even More Great Tips! Simple Garden Life Facebook Page
Simple Garden Life is a website dedicated to keeping gardening fun, simple and enjoyable! We publish two new articles each week along with a new garden podcast episode every two weeks. This article may contain affiliate links.