Teddy Bear

Sunflower

70d to harvest

Velvety, honeyed blooms arrive with a plush, teddy-bear softness—sunlit petals that seem to glow from within. Teddy Bear sunflower forms compact, well-branched plants that carry abundant, rounded flower heads with a rich, warm color and a satisfyingly dense, cushion-like texture. Ideal for beds and borders, it brings long-lasting visual impact to sunny spaces and makes a striking centerpiece in arrangements.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Dec 10th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Helianthus annuus (Teddy Bear sunflower), and how do I treat it?

Watch for powdery mildew and gray mold, especially when nights are humid and airflow is poor. Remove and destroy badly affected leaves, then space plants farther and water at the soil line to keep foliage dry; if mildew is recurring, apply a labeled fungicide formulated for powdery mildew on ornamentals. Also keep an eye out for aphids on fresh growth—spray plants with a strong stream of water and use insecticidal soap if colonies persist.

How often should I water Teddy Bear sunflowers during active growth?

During the main growth phase, water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out, rather than daily light watering. Aim for consistently moist soil but not soggy conditions; Helianthus annuus performs poorly if roots stay wet, so ensure good drainage and avoid wetting the leaves. In hot weather, this usually means about 1 inch of water per week total (from rainfall and irrigation), adjusted for your soil type.

How can I tell when Teddy Bear sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the flower heads are fully developed and the back of the head turns yellow-brown and starts to look dry, with seeds (if growing for seed) plump and firm rather than soft. For cut flowers, pick when the outer petals are mostly open but before the head fully browns down. If you’re aiming for seed, cut the heads when the bracts are drying and hang them to finish drying in a dry, airy spot.