Growing Teddy Bear Sunflower Garden Seeds

Sunflowers are often sown directly outside after all frost has passed. Teddy Bear seeds, however, can be started indoors 2-3 weeks prior for earlier blooms. Transplant once there are two sets of true leaves and harden off plants into a warm, sunny spot in the garden or an indoor container. Young Teddy Bear sunflowers may need staking, but only briefly. Plant 2-3 Teddy Bear seeds ½" deep and 8-12" apart in average, loamy, and well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid overhead watering and properly ventilate to minimize moisture which may cause mold, downy mildew, and powdery mildew. Monitor Teddy Bear sunflowers regularly for aphids. Warmer climates cause Teddy Bears to stretch and grow larger, where as cooler temperatures will cause the plants to exhibit a more dwarfed habit. Teddy Bear sunflower seeds mature in as quickly as 50-65 days as 24-36" tall dwarfed shrubs with a 14-16" spread and 4-5" double-blooms of double golden yellow blooms.

Teddy Bear sunflower is one of the most unique and lavish of all the varieties of Helianthus annuus. Teddy Bear sunflowers hardly look anything like a traditional sunflower aside from the bright golden yellow petals. Teddy Bear sunflowers do not grow traditional large, seeded centers with single layers of petals but instead grow unique fluffy, pom-pom heads with a seemingly infinite amount of feathered, golden petals.