How to Grow Dwarf Sunflower Teddy Bear

Dwarf Sunflower Teddy Bear

Helianthus annuus 'Teddy Bear'

flower

Teddy Bear is a stunning dwarf sunflower cultivar known for its fully double, pompom-like golden yellow flowers that resemble a teddy bear's fluffy fur. Growing just 24-32 inches tall, this variety is perfect for containers, borders, and cut arrangements. The blooms are profuse and long-lasting, providing cheerful color from mid-summer through fall.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (minimum); 8+ hours ideal for best blooming

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply at the base 2-3 times per week during dry periods. Reduce watering once established. Drought-tolerant once mature but flowers perform better with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 60-70 days

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Planting depth: 1 inch (direct sow seeds) or transplant seedlings at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure for organic matter Perlite or sand to improve drainage Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-10; grows as an annual in all zones

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

Growth Stages

Seedling

7-14 days

Small green shoots emerge with two rounded cotyledons followed by true leaves. Plants are delicate and tender.

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright light if growing indoors. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 3-4 inches tall.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops sturdy stems with broad green leaves alternating along the stem. Compact growth remains controlled at 12-24 inches.

Ensure full sun exposure. Water regularly and deeply at the base. Pinch off the top when plant reaches 12 inches tall to encourage branching and more blooms.

Budding & Flowering

2-3 weeks

Flower buds form at branch tips. Buds gradually open to reveal fully double, pompom-style golden yellow flowers 4-5 inches across.

Maintain consistent moisture to support heavy bloom production. Feed with low-nitrogen, higher phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) every 2 weeks to enhance flowering. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering.

Peak Bloom & Maturation

4-6 weeks

Plant is covered with multiple fully-open golden pompom flowers in various stages of bloom. Flowers are at their most vibrant and full.

Continue deadheading for prolonged blooming. Support tall stems with stakes if needed in windy locations. Keep watering consistent. Monitor for pests.

Senescence & Seed Production

2-4 weeks or until frost

Flowers fade and drop petals. If not deadheaded, flowers develop seed heads that turn brown.

Allow some flowers to mature for seed collection if desired. Cut back plants after first hard frost. Remove plant material to prevent disease.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Zinnias Cosmos Marigolds Salvia Alyssum Lavender Coneflowers Black-eyed Susans

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Other tall sunflower varieties (they may shade dwarf types)

Common Pests

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; strong water spray dislodges pests; introduce ladybugs as natural predators
Increase humidity and mist plants; use neem oil or miticide if severe; remove heavily infested leaves
Remove affected flower heads; apply spinosad in early morning or late evening; plant garlic nearby as deterrent
and
Hand-pick in early morning; create barriers with diatomaceous earth; use beer traps; encourage ground beetles
Hand-pick early morning when beetles are sluggish; apply neem oil; avoid blue flower traps that attract more beetles

Uses

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Edible Petals

Culinary

Teddy Bear sunflower petals are edible and can garnish salads, soups, and desserts, adding a mild, slightly nutty flavor and vibrant golden color to dishes. [source]

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Cut & Dried Arrangements

Craft

The fully double pompom flowers are ideal for fresh cut arrangements, which last 7-10 days in water, or can be dried for long-lasting dried flower crafts and bouquets. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Though less pollen is accessible in fully double varieties, these flowers still attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. [source]

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Natural Dye Source

Household

Sunflower petals and leaves can be used to create golden and yellow dyes for fabric and craft projects using simple home extraction methods. [source]

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Herbal & Wellness Preparations

Medicinal

Sunflower petals and seeds have been traditionally used in herbal teas and tonics for their antioxidant properties and potential anti-inflammatory benefits. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers for arrangements when the outer ring of petals is fully open but the center is still tightly double; cut in early morning for best vase life (7-10 days). For seeds, allow flowers to mature on the plant until the back of the seed head turns yellow-brown, then cut and dry completely indoors. Seeds are mature when they easily rub out of the head.

Fun Facts

🌱 Teddy Bear sunflowers are sterile or nearly sterile due to their fully double petals, meaning they produce little to no viable seed—a trade-off for their spectacular fluffy blooms.
🌱 Unlike standard sunflowers, Teddy Bears do not exhibit heliotropism (sun-tracking behavior) due to their compact size and heavy double flowers; the blooms face one direction.
🌱 The fully double 'Teddy Bear' form was developed through selective breeding to maximize petal layers, creating the pompom effect that inspired the whimsical cultivar name.

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