Sunflower Teddy Bear – “Helianthus annuus”

Fluffy golden pom-poms of sunshine!

Helianthus annuus ‘Teddy Bear’ is a delightful branching sunflower with fully double, fluffy golden blooms that look like soft pom-poms. Unlike towering varieties, Teddy Bear grows to a compact, manageable height of 60–90 cm — perfect for borders, pots, children’s gardens, and cheerful bouquets. Its unique, cushion-like flowers are long-lasting in the vase and adored by pollinators. Easy, fast-growing, and irresistibly cute, it’s a must-grow for gardeners and florists wanting something different.

🌱 How to Grow:

Sowing Time (South Africa):
Spring to midsummer (September–January).
Sow directly in garden beds or containers once the soil has warmed, or start in trays for earlier blooms.

Germination:
7–10 days at 18–25 °C.
Sow 1–2 cm deep, keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.

Transplanting:
Transplant when seedlings are 10–15 cm tall.
Space 20–30 cm apart for bushy growth.
Handle gently — sunflowers dislike root disturbance.

🌞 Position:
Full sun — 6–8 hours daily.
More sun = sturdier plants and fluffier blooms.

🪨 Soil:
Fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost.
pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0–7.5).

💧 Watering:
Moderate watering.
Deep soak 1–2 times weekly; allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.

🌼 Flowering Time:
Blooms 55–70 days from sowing.
Long flowering period through summer if cut regularly.

📏 Height & Spread:
60–90 cm tall
30–45 cm wide
Compact plants covered in fluffy, fully double flowers.

🌿 Top Tips:
✔️ Perfect for borders, pots, and children’s gardens.
✔️ Cut when outer petals just begin to open for longest vase life.
✔️ Successive sowings every 2–3 weeks extend bloom season.
✔️ Lovely alongside taller sunflowers for contrast.
✔️ Low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly.

🐝 Pollinator Friendly:
Bees and butterflies love the nectar-rich centres!

🔥 Why Grow ‘Teddy Bear’?
✔️ Unique fluffy, double pom-pom blooms
✔️ Compact and container-friendly
✔️ Fast and easy — perfect for beginners
✔️ Beloved by pollinators and florists alike
✔️ Adds joy and texture to gardens and bouquets