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

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

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

Recommended Companions

Dwarf Cherry Rose Jewel Nasturtium

Cosmos Cosmos

Whirlybird Series Nasturtium

Sensation Mixed Cosmos

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.