20 Types of Sunflowers That Will THRIVE in Your Garden This Season

Alexander Spatari//Getty Images1Mammoth Sunflower bright sunflower with yellow petals and a dark center surrounded by green leaves Eden Brothers

The Mammoth Sunflower lives up to its name, growing up to 12 feet tall with huge, bright yellow blooms that can measure a foot across. This variety is also prized for its large, edible seeds, which can be enjoyed by people and birds alike.

2Ring of Fire Sunflower closeup of a ring of fire sunflower michigan Christophe Merceron//Getty Images

The Ring of Fire Sunflower is known for its distinctive golden petals accented by a bold ring of red around a dark center. Growing to about four to five feet tall, it makes an eye-catching addition to gardens and stunning arrangements.

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3Teddy Bear Sunflower sunflower 'teddy bear' _maeterlinck_//Getty Images

The Teddy Bear Sunflower produces dense, fluffy, golden blooms that give it a plush, almost pom-pom-like appearance. Reaching just two feet tall, it’s a perfect choice for borders, pots, or children’s gardens.

4Maximilian Perennial Sunflower maximillian sunflower helianthus maximiliani closeup photo. yellow maximilian sunflower perennial flowers Elena Alex photo//Getty Images

Unlike annual sunflowers, the Maximilian is a perennial that returns each year in USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9. It produces tall stems covered with dozens of smaller golden flowers, providing a long-lasting display in late summer.

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5Soraya Sunflower three sunflowers two fully bloomed and one budding against a grassy background Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Soraya Sunflowers are award-winning plants with vivid orange-gold petals and chocolate brown centers. With up to 25 blooms per plant, they’re perfect for adding color to borders or filling vases with fresh-cut flowers.

6Tithonia ‘Fiesta del Sol’ tithonia diversifolia Galeh Nur Wihantara//Getty Images

While not technically a sunflower, the Tithonia ‘Fiesta del Sol’ shares the same sunny appeal, producing bright orange blooms that thrive in hot, dry conditions. Compact and bushy, it grows well in both garden beds and containers.

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7Florenza Sunflower red helianthus sunflower florenza in flower. Alex Manders//Getty Images

Florenza Sunflowers feature a beautiful blend of golden edges and burgundy-tipped petals, along with a hint of chocolate fragrance. Growing 15 to 30 inches tall, they bring both beauty and scent to the garden.

8Starburst Greenburst SunflowerJeff Schneiderman//Getty Images

Starburst Greenburst Sunflowers have unusual green centers surrounded by cheerful yellow petals. Their 12–24-inch height makes them perfect for container gardens and colorful edging.

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9ProCut Red Sunflower procut red is a hybrid variety of sunflower that produces pollen free flowers. jax10289//Getty Images

The ProCut Red Sunflower boasts velvety red petals that make a bold statement in the garden. This early-blooming variety produces single stems that are perfect for cutting.

10Italian White Sunflower miniature sunflower italian white with big creamy white flowers close up Ewa Saks//Getty Images

Italian White Sunflowers produce elegant white petals that contrast beautifully with dark centers. This branching variety grows five to six feet tall and is a favorite of pollinators.

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11Autumn Beauty Sunflower sunflower blossom Jack N. Mohr//Getty Images

Autumn Beauty Sunflowers offer a warm mix of gold, bronze, and burgundy blooms on tall, branching stems. They provide continuous color from mid-summer to early fall.

12Moulin Rouge Sunflower sunflower (moulin rouge) Gyro//Getty Images

Moulin Rouge sunflowers have deep crimson petals and a pollenless center, making them ideal for allergy-friendly bouquets. They typically grow to four to six feet tall.

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13Sunrich Lemon Sunflower sunflower with vibrant yellow petals and a dark center Johnny’s Selected Seeds

Sunrich Lemon Sunflowers brighten gardens with large, lemon-yellow blooms and a symmetrical shape. This pollenless variety is popular among florists for long-lasting arrangements.

14Velvet Queen SunflowerDerwyn//Getty Images

The Velvet Queen Sunflower features rich mahogany petals tipped with gold. Its four-to-six-foot stems work beautifully in borders and cutting gardens.

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15Russian Giant Sunflower russian giant sunflower field Douglas Sacha//Getty Images

The Russian Giant can reach heights of over 12 feet, producing enormous blooms and a generous supply of edible seeds. It’s a classic choice for those who want dramatic garden impact.

16Strawberry Blonde SunflowerFloresphotographic//Getty Images

Strawberry Blonde Sunflowers combine rose-pink petals with creamy tips for a soft, romantic look. This branching variety offers multiple blooms over the season.

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17Lemon Queen Sunflower yellow helianthus lemon queen sunflower in flower. Alex Manders//Getty Images

The Lemon Queen Sunflower produces pale yellow blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It’s an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

18Dwarf Incredible Sunflower bright yellow sunflower surrounded by green leaves Park Seed

The Dwarf Incredible Sunflower grows on short, sturdy stems topped with plush golden blooms. Its compact size makes it ideal for container gardening.

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19Arikara SunflowerSelect Seeds

An heirloom variety grown for centuries by Native American tribes, the Arikara sunflower grows tall and produces large, flavorful seeds that can be roasted or saved for planting.

20Chianti SunflowerBurpee

The Chianti Sunflower offers rich, wine-red petals and a pollenless center, making it a sophisticated addition to bouquets and summer gardens.

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