How to Grow Sunflower Teddy Bear

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Sunflower Teddy Bear

Helianthus annuus 'Teddy Bear'

flower

Sunflower Teddy Bear is a dwarf ornamental sunflower cultivar known for its fully double, pompom-like golden-yellow blooms that resemble a teddy bear. Unlike tall sunflowers, this variety grows to only 24-36 inches tall, making it ideal for containers, borders, and cut flowers. The densely packed petals create a charming, fluffy appearance without a prominent central disk.

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Example Sunflower Teddy Bear timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Sunflower Teddy Bear
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Sunflower Teddy Bear blooms
Around Jun 26

≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sunflower Teddy Bear dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum (8+ hours preferred for best blooms)

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply at the base once or twice weekly. Reduce watering slightly after blooming begins. Drought tolerant once established but produces better flowers with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 70-100 days from seed to first bloom

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Planting depth: 1 inch

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure for fertility Perlite or coarse sand for drainage improvement Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-11 as an annual; tolerates cold and heat well

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

7-14 days

Emergence of oval cotyledons followed by first true leaves; plant is 2-3 inches tall with delicate, hairy stems

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops thick, sturdy stems and broad serrated leaves; height increases rapidly to 12-24 inches without visible flower buds

Stake or support plants if needed in windy locations. Continue moderate watering. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch growing tip at 6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more side blooms.

Bud Formation

2-3 weeks

Terminal buds appear and begin to swell; plant is nearly full height with dense foliage

Maintain consistent moisture as buds develop. Reduce nitrogen-heavy fertilizing and switch to bloom-promoting fertilizer (higher phosphorus). Support heavy buds with stakes or cages if needed.

Blooming

2-4 weeks per flower (continuous production if deadheaded)

Pompom-like double flowers unfold over several days, displaying dense golden-yellow petals in a fully-petaled form with little or no visible yellow center

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and energy for side blooms. Water at soil level to keep petals dry. Remove any weak or damaged buds to direct energy to prime flowers.

Seed Development & Decline

3-4 weeks

If left to mature, the double petals drop and underlying seed head develops; plant foliage yellows as flowering concludes

Leave final flowers unharvested to mature for seeds if desired. Otherwise continue deadheading to extend bloom period. Reduce watering gradually as plant natural senescence occurs.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Zinnias Cosmos Marigolds Alyssum Salvia Coreopsis Russian sage Lavender

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Beans Potatoes Alfalfa

Common Pests

Monitor flower buds for entry holes. Remove affected buds promptly. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray if infestation is severe.
Spray with strong water spray to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Increase humidity and mist foliage regularly. Apply sulfur dust or miticide if severe. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide containing copper or sulfur if needed. Remove infected leaves.
Hand-pick beetles and egg clusters. Apply neem oil or spinosad spray. Remove plant debris where eggs overwinter.

Uses

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Edible Petals & Seeds

Culinary

While Teddy Bear's double petals are primarily ornamental (with little or no seeds due to full petalization), they can be used as edible garnish for salads and cakes, offering a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Sunflower seeds from non-double varieties are rich in selenium and vitamin E. [source]

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Cut Flower Arrangement

Household

The compact size and unique pompom-like flowers make Teddy Bear ideal for bouquets, vase arrangements, and wedding flowers. The blooms are long-lasting and add a cheerful, whimsical texture to floral designs. [source]

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Dried Flower Craft

Craft

The stiff, dense petals dry beautifully while retaining color and form, making them perfect for pressed flower crafts, dried arrangements, wreaths, and potpourri. Teddy Bear's full blooms create striking dried botanical displays. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Although the double flowers contain little or no visible pollen due to petalization, they still attract bees and other pollinators exploring for resources. Single-flowered sunflower varieties are better for serious pollinator support. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Sunflowers have been used in traditional medicine for centuries; the petals contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Teddy Bear petals can be used in herbal teas or infusions for general wellness. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

For cut flowers, harvest in early morning when buds are fully open but still firm. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and strip lower leaves. Place immediately in cool water. Teddy Bear flowers last 5-7 days in a vase. For dried flowers, allow blooms to remain on plant until petals feel papery, then cut and hang upside-down in a cool, dry location for 2-3 weeks.

Fun Facts

🌱 Unlike most sunflowers, Teddy Bear's fully double blooms are sterile or produce very few seeds due to the transformation of stamens into petals—this is why it won't self-seed abundantly, but it redirects all energy into creating larger, more beautiful flowers.
🌱 The 'Teddy Bear' cultivar was bred specifically for the ornamental cut-flower market in the 1990s and has become one of the most popular dwarf sunflower varieties worldwide due to its compact size and whimsical appearance.
🌱 Sunflowers are heliotropic (sun-tracking) in their youth, moving their buds to follow the sun's arc from east to west during the day to maximize photosynthesis—though Teddy Bear's short stature and heavy blooms make this behavior less pronounced than in tall varieties.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun pH True Leaves

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