Types of Sunflowers: Do You Know Them All? From Giant Garden Varieties to "Clean" Ones for a Vase
When someone says "sunflower," most of us picture endless yellow fields turning to follow the sun. But the world of sunflowers is far more varied. There are varieties that look like teddy bears, others colored like a setting sun, and still others bred specifically for florists so they won't make a mess in your home.
The main season for these cheerful flowers begins in July and runs through October. These are exactly the months when sunflowers are at their best, with sturdy stems and a glow of pure energy.
Love sunflowers? Take a look at our seasonal arrangements:
(In the summer months, we put together gorgeous meadow-style sunflower arrangements with accent greenery)
Sunflower
79 Kč
Bouquet of Blended Sunflower
895 Kč
Bouquet Summer mix
1 870 Kč
Bouquet Fiery sunflower
985 Kč
Bouquet Bára Sunflowers
860 Kč
Meadow bouquet of sunflowers
2 200 KčHere's an overview of the most interesting varieties you might encounter in gardens or in our bouquets.
1. Professional Beauties for the Vase (Pollen-Free)
Why do sunflowers from the florist look different and last longer than ones from the garden? Because we use special cultivars.
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Sunrich Orange: This is the "gold standard" among cut sunflowers. It has a perfect shape, richly orange petals, and a dark center. Its main advantage? Long vase life.
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Chianti: A gorgeous, deep red-to-wine-colored variety that adds drama and depth to bouquets.
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ProCut Series (Pollen-Free): A revolution for lovers of cleanliness and allergy sufferers. These sunflowers in bouquets don't produce pollen.
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The upside: No yellow dust on your table or tablecloth once the flower fully opens. They're ideal for indoor use.
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2. Garden Giants (For Seeds and for the Birds)
These varieties are grown for their majesty and their yield.
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Mammoth Russian: A true giant. It can grow up to 3 meters tall, and its flower head can be as wide as a pizza plate (30 cm). It's grown mainly for its large seeds, which you can eat yourself or leave for the birds come autumn.
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Lemon Queen: A very tall variety (up to 2 meters) with a distinctive, gently lemon-yellow color. It's a magnet for bees.
3. Ornamental and "Fluffy" Varieties
Sunflowers you might not even recognize at first glance.
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Teddy Bear: A low variety (60–90 cm) with full, "fuzzy" flowers. It looks like a yellow pompom and kids love it. It also works beautifully in larger containers.
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Autumn Beauty: As the name suggests, this variety plays with the colors of autumn. On a single stem you can find blooms in yellow, bronze, and mahogany.
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Italian White: An elegant, creamy-white sunflower with a dark center. It looks very delicate and sophisticated.
4. Dwarf Varieties for a Pot
Don't have a garden? No problem.
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Dwarf Sunspot: A classic large yellow head on a very short stem (up to 60 cm). Ideal for a balcony or terrace.
Fun Fact: Sunflowers for Oil
Not all sunflowers are grown for show. For example, the 'Peredovik' variety is bred specifically for its high seed oil content. You won't find it in bouquets, but you'll likely find it in a bottle of oil in your kitchen.
Tips for Growers: How to Do It?
Sunflowers are low-maintenance, but they do need "their thing."
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Sun, sun, sun: They need a spot that gets sunlight all day long. In the shade they get leggy and bloom poorly.
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Sowing: Put the seeds directly into the soil only after the last frost risk has passed (May).
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Spacing: Plant large varieties at least 45–60 cm apart.
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Water: Although they look tough, they need to drink a lot in summer. If the leaves droop, they're thirsty.
Whether you prefer growing your own or would rather bring home a professionally arranged Sunrich Orange bouquet, sunflowers are guaranteed to lift your mood every time.
Team KvětinyExpres.cz
