Sunflowers are the world’s most widely grown and easily identified flower. Their iconic blossoms and formidable stature create distinctive beauty wherever they are grown and displayed.
On this page, we'll explore the origin and history of sunflowers, as well as the different types of sunflowers, including ornamental, oilseed, and non-oilseed sunflowers.
Originally from North America, sunflowers were first cultivated by Native Americans around 1,000 BCE, for food, seed oil, and traditional medicine. The 16th-century Europeans were captivated by their beauty and began growing them as decorative plants in Spain and Portugal. By the 18th century, these tall plants with their radiant flowers had become a significant agricultural product in Russia and Ukraine, where they were primarily used to produce cooking oil. Today, sunflowers are grown across the globe, commercially for seed and as a garden landscape plant.
Sunflowers can be classified into three types: ornamental, oilseed, and non-oilseed sunflowers.
Ornamental sunflowers, cultivated for their aesthetic appeal, are frequently incorporated into gardens, floral designs, and landscape architecture. They exhibit a broad range of sizes, with petite dwarf sunflowers at one end of the spectrum, and towering sunflowers, which can soar up to 15 feet high, at the other. Here are a few examples:
Dwarf sunflowers are a favorite to grow in small gardens and containers. These short sunflower varieties are distinctive in terms of their stalk height, bloom color and size, the number of flowers per stem, whether they grow as a single stalk or in multi-stalk clusters, the specific pollinators they attract, their preferred soil composition, and their required sunlight duration.
Moulin Rouge is a variety of dwarf sunflower that has striking dark red blooms. It has a single stalk and can reach a height of 18-24 inches. The flowers are 3-4 inches in size and attract bees and butterflies. Moulin Rouge prefers to grow in soil with a pH of 7 and requires full sun.
Pacino Gold is a variety of dwarf sunflower that has bright yellow blooms. It has a single stalk and can reach a height of 18-24 inches. The flowers are 2-3 inches in size and attract bees and butterflies. Pacino Gold prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and requires full sun.
Teddy Bear is a variety of dwarf sunflower that has fluffy, round blooms that resemble teddy bears. It has a single stalk and can reach a height of 15-20 inches. The flowers are 4-6 inches in size and attract bees and butterflies. Teddy Bear prefers to grow in a deep loam soil that is decidedly alkaline. It also requires full sun.
Chianti Hybrid is a variety of dwarf sunflower that has deep burgundy red blooms. It has a single stalk and can reach a height of 24 -30 inches. The flowers are 4-5 inches in size and attract bees and butterflies. Chianti Hybrid grows best in sandy soils and needs full sun. This variety is known for its dramatic color and is a great choice for adding a bold statement to your garden or landscape.
Firecracker is a variety of dwarf sunflower that has vibrant red and yellow blooms. It has a single stalk and can reach a height of 24-30 inches. The flowers are 2-3 inches in size and attract bees and butterflies. Firecracker likes to grow in composted earth fortified with aged animal manure. This variety is known for its unique coloration and makes a wonderful border plant.
Teddy bear sunflowers are a popular type of ornamental sunflower known for their fuzzy, round blooms that resemble teddy bears. In this article, we'll describe some of the main varieties of teddy bear sunflowers, including their stalk height, flower color, flower size, flowers per stalk, single stalk or multi-stalk clump, type of pollinators attracted to the flower, soil composition preference, and sunshine days..
Dwarf Teddy Bear sunflowers are a compact variety of teddy bear sunflower that grows to be 1-2 feet tall. They grow bright yellow blooms that are 4-6 inches in size that attract honeybees and pollinating butterflies. Dwarf Teddy Bear sunflowers prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and require full sun.
Comparatively, Russian Teddy Bear sunflowers grow twice the size of other teddy bear varieties. They have large yellow blooms that are 8-10 inches in size and attract bees and butterflies. Russian Teddy Bear sunflowers prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.3 and 7.7 and require full sun.
Giant Teddy Bear sunflowers are the tallest variety of teddy bear sunflower, growing up to 6-8 feet tall. They have massive yellow blooms that are 10-12 inches in size and attract bees and butterflies. Giant Teddy Bear sunflowers prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and require full sun.
Tall sunflowers are a popular type of ornamental sunflower known for their impressive height and large, showy blooms. In this article, we'll describe some of the main varieties of tall sunflowers, including their stalk height, flower color, flower size, flowers per stalk, single stalk or multi-stalk clump, type of pollinators attracted to the flower, soil composition preference, and sunshine days.
Russian Giant sunflowers are one of the tallest sunflowers in the world, reaching heights of 12 feet or more. They have one or two large yellow 14-inch-wide blooms per stalk that readily attract pollinating bees and butterflies. They grow tallest in a loam soil enriched with composted animal and plant matter and need at least 22, 8-hour days of sunshine evert month.
Another tall sunflower variety, American Giant can grow up to 14 feet tall. They have large yellow blooms that are 10-12 inches in size, with one or two flowers per stalk. American Giant sunflowers attract bees and butterflies and grow best in well fertilizer soil. To attain full height, they should receive 8 hours of sunlight per day.
Italian White sunflowers grow 10 feet tall with large, very distinctive white blooms that are between 6 and 8 inches round. Like other sunflowers, Italian White sunflowers attract pollinating insects and prefer to grow in a clay-based soil. These sunflowers require plenty of sunlight to produce their white petaled flowers.
Oilseed sunflowers are grown for their seeds, which are used to produce sunflower oil. There are several varieties of oilseed sunflowers, each with a particular stalk height, flower color, flower size, and numbers of flowers per stalk. Some are single stalk or multi-stalk clump varieties while others serve as great pollinators.
NuSun sunflowers are a popular variety of oilseed sunflowers, known for their high oleic acid content in their seeds, making them a healthier choice for cooking oil. They grow to an average height of 6 feet, with 6 inch round yellow flowers that readily attract bees and butterflies. NuSun sunflowers prefer to grow in alkaline soil and require full sun in order to yield 1,500-2,000 pounds of oilseed per acre.
Confection sunflowers are a popular variety of oilseed sunflowers, known for their large seeds that are commonly used for snacks and birdseed. These sunflowers grow 5 feet tall, with 4 inch round yellow blooms that make great pollinators. Confection sunflowers grow best in alkaline soil, require full sun, and can yield between 1,400 and 1,800 pounds of oilseed per acre.
High Oleic sunflowers are another variety of oilseed sunflowers, known for their high oleic acid content in their seeds, making them a healthier choice for cooking oil. They grow between 5 and 7 feet tall, with brilliant yellow flowers. High Oleic sunflowers prefer to grow in well tilled soil and need at least 20 eight-hour days of sunlight to produce 2,000 pounds of oilseed per acre.
Non-Oilseed Sunflowers are grown primarily for ornamental purposes. Listed below are some of the main varieties of non-oilseed sunflowers, including their stalk height, flower color, flower size, flowers per stalk, single stalk or multi-stalk clump, type of pollinators attracted to the flower, soil composition preference, sunshine days, sunflowers per acre, and oilseed yield per farm acre.
Dwarf sunflowers are a popular variety of non-oilseed sunflowers that are known for their small size and bright colors. These sunflowers are short, growing between 12 and 30 inches tall., Their flowers bloom in shades of yellow, orange, red, burgundy, and brown. Dwarf sunflowers have a single stalk with one flower per stalk, and they attract bees and butterflies. They grow best in cattle pastureland, feeding on the droppings of grazing animals. They are mainly grown for their ornamental value and do not produce oilseed.
Russian sunflowers are a popular variety of non-oilseed sunflowers that are often grown for their impressive height and large flower heads. They can grow as tall as 12 feet, with yellow flowers that can reach up to 14 inches in diameter. Russian sunflowers have a single stalk with one to three flowers per stalk, and they attract bees and butterflies. To ensure that Russian sunflowers grow tall, the soil should be fertilized with a combination of aged compost and cattle manure. Russian sunflowers are mainly grown for their ornamental value and do not produce oilseed.
Moulin Rouge sunflowers are a unique variety of non-oilseed sunflowers that are grown for their deep red flowers. They grow to 6 feet, with 6 inch diameter flowers. Moulin Rouge sunflowers have a single stalk with one to three flowers per stalk, and they attract bees, birds, and butterflies. These flowers can be found growing in the full sun in a loamy, good-draining soil. Moulin Rouge sunflowers are mainly grown for their ornamental value and do not produce oilseed.
Striped sunflowers are a type of sunflower that are distinguished by their striped seeds, which have black and white stripes. In this article, we'll describe some of the main varieties of striped sunflowers, including their stalk height, flower color, flower size, flowers per stalk, single stalk or multi-stalk clump, type of pollinators attracted to the flower, soil composition preference, sunshine days, sunflowers per acre, and oilseed yield per farm acre.
Black and White Striped sunflowers are a popular 8 foot tall variety of striped sunflowers that are grown for their unique seed coloration and 6 inch diameter flowers. Black and White Striped sunflowers have a single stalk with one flower per stalk, and they attract bees, birds, dragonflies, and butterflies. Striped sunflowers grow best in well fertilized, deep rooting soil and need plenty of sun days to yield 2,000 pounds of oilseed per farm acre.
Italian White sunflowers are a variety of striped sunflowers that have a unique white seed coloration. They grow 6 feet tall, with tint 4 inch white flowers. Italian White sunflowers have a single stalk with one to two flowers per stalk, and they attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. They grow to their full potential in alkaline soil and full sun. Italian White sunflowers are primarily grown for their oilseed production and can yield 1,200-1,800 pounds of seed per farm acre.
Red and White Striped sunflowers are famous for their red and white striped seeds. This striped sunflower variety grows to a height of 8 feet, with medium sized yellow flowers. Red and White Striped sunflowers have a single stalk with one flower per stalk, and they attract bees, black ants, and butterflies. They are typically found growing in farmers’ fields or along city streets in all types of soil, usually proliferating where there is plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Red and White Striped sunflowers are grown for oilseed and can yield around 2,000 pounds of seeds per farm acre.
Dwarf Striped sunflowers are small, growing only to a height of 2 feet. They make a great garden ornamental with showy 2 inch diameter flowers. Dwarf Striped sunflowers have a single stalk with one to two flowers per stalk, and they attract bees and butterflies. Dwarf striped flowers growing in just about any type of soil including sand and gravel. The prefer to grow in full sun but will grow sufficient well in semi-shade. While Dwarf Striped sunflowers are not typically grown for their oilseed production, they can still yield 1,200-1,800 pounds of seeds per farm acre.
Velvet Queen Striped sunflowers are a unique variety that have deep red and yellow flowers. They are 7 feet tall, with flowers 4 inch round flowers. Velvet Queen Striped sunflowers have a single stalk with one flower at the top.
These sunflowers have white shells and are commonly used for snacking. They have a mild, nutty flavor.
White Peredovik sunflowers are a variety of sunflowers that have a creamy white seed coat. Peredovik grows 6 feet tall, with small to medium yellow size petaled flowers. They have a single stalk with one flower per stalk, and they attract bees and butterflies. White Peredovik sunflowers are primarily grown for their oilseed production and can yield 1,500-2,000 pounds of seeds per farm acre.
White Cossack sunflowers are another variety of sunflowers that have a white seed coat. Cossacks grow to a height of 8 feet, with one 6 inch flower per stalk. They prefer alkaline soil and full sun. White Cossack sunflowers are grown for their oilseed production and can yield 1,500-2,000 pounds of seeds per farm acre.
White Nusun sunflowers, recognized by their white seed coats, are a sunflower variety appreciated for the high oleic acid content within their seeds. This makes them a healthier option for oil used in cooking. These sunflowers usually attain a height between 5 and 7 feet, flaunting yellow blossoms that measure 4-6 inches across. White Nusun sunflowers grow in a single-stalk pattern, typically bearing one to two flowers per stem.
These sunflowers are like common sunflowers that grow tall but have even larger blooms. These are the giants among sunflowers, growing to a height of 16 feet or more. They produce massive heads filled with seeds and can be used as a food source for animals or humans. Here is a detailed description of some of the most common giant sunflower varieties:
Russian Mammoth: American Giant sunflowers are another popular giant variety, growing up to 14 feet tall. They produce large, bright yellow flowers with dark centers and can have up to 20 flowers per stalk. This variety is known for its large, edible seeds and is a popular choice for bird feeders.
American Giant: Mongolian Giant sunflowers are one of the tallest varieties, growing up to 16 feet tall. They produce massive, yellow flowers with dark centers and can have up to 20 flowers per stalk. This variety is known for its large, edible seeds and is a popular choice for farmers looking to harvest sunflower seeds.
Mongolian Giant: Titan sunflowers are a hybrid variety that can grow up to 12 feet tall. They produce large, yellow flowers with dark centers and can have up to 20 flowers per stalk. This variety is known for its large, thick stalks and is a popular choice for those looking to use sunflowers for structural support.
Titan: Paul Bunyan sunflowers are a popular variety that can grow up to 12 feet tall. They produce large, bright yellow flowers with dark centers and can have up to 10 flowers per stalk. This variety is known for its large, edible seeds and is a popular choice for bird feeders.
Paul Bunyan: Kong sunflowers are one of the largest varieties of giant sunflowers. They can reach heights of 16 feet and grow flowers 2 feet across. The flowers are typically yellow, and each stalk can produce up to 12 flowers. Kong sunflowers are famous for attracting bees and butterflies, and they prefer lots of sunshine.
Kong: Velvet Queen sunflowers are a colorful variety of giant sunflowers. They grow 6 feet tall, with 6 inch flowers. The flowers are typically deep red or burgundy with dark centers, and each stalk can produce up to 8 flowers. Velvet Queen sunflowers are known for attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. They prefer well-drained soil and lots of sunshine.
Velvet Queen: Velvet Queen sunflowers are a colorful variety of giant sunflowers. They can grow up to 6 feet tall, with flowers that can reach up to 5 inches in diameter. The flowers are typically deep red or burgundy with dark centers, and each stalk can produce up to 8 flowers. Velvet Queen sunflowers are known for attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. They prefer well-drained soil and lots of sunshine.
Velvet Queen sunflowers are a colorful variety of giant sunflowers. They grow 6 feet tall, with 6 inch flowers. The flowers are typically deep red or burgundy with dark centers, and each stalk can produce up to 8 flowers. Velvet Queen sunflowers are known for attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. They prefer well-drained soil and lots of sunshine.
