Growing Teddy Bear Sunflowers

The ‘Teddy Bear’ sunflower earns its name due to its resemblance to a soft, fuzzy, huggable stuffed toy. This versatile, compact sunflower cultivar, standing only two to three feet tall with its large, double golden blooms, can be planted just about anywhere—from vegetable gardens and flower beds to decorative borders and patio pots.

An annual sunflower, it thrives on sturdy stems adorned with broad, dark green leaves. Seeds collected and planted in the following season yield identical plants and flowers. Blooming from mid-summer until the first frost, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden. Both the flower petals and seeds are edible, making them a delightful addition to vases and bouquets.

Teddy Bear Sunflower Care

Caring for this sunflower is similar to other annual sunflowers, but with a key difference: the dwarf cultivar boasts greater resistance to pests and diseases. Additionally, due to its short stature, the ‘Teddy Bear’ can better withstand wind and adverse weather conditions than its taller counterparts. Keep these points in mind:
– Ensure plenty of direct sunlight.
– Plant in moderately fertile, well-draining soil.
– Regularly deadhead spent blooms.

Light
‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers require full sun, needing six to eight hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. Like all sunflowers, they are heliotropic and track the sun’s movement throughout the day.

Soil
While not fussy about soil type, sunflowers thrive in well-draining, organically rich soil with a slightly acidic pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. Adding compost before planting promotes vigorous health and larger, longer-lasting blooms.

Water
Provide ‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers with one inch of water weekly, depending on rainfall and soil conditions. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and unstable stems. Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil are dry.

Temperature and Humidity
Sunflowers begin to flourish when temperatures are between 70 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand higher temperatures if the soil remains moist. Average humidity levels are sufficient.

Fertilizer
‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers in fertile soil do not require fertilizer. For container plants or less fertile soil, use compost or a balanced, granular fertilizer such as NPK 10-10-10 before planting. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.

Harvesting Teddy Bear Sunflowers
Cut flowers last between six and 12 days. Harvest flowerheads after the yellow rays have emerged but are not fully open. Avoid cutting when plants are stressed by drought or oversaturation.

Growing Teddy Bear Sunflowers from Seeds

Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and germinate reliably at soil temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Direct sowing is recommended, but small seedlings (around two inches tall) can be transplanted. Sow seeds when temperatures reach 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, typically three weeks after the final frost in temperate zones.

Potting and Repotting Teddy Bear Sunflowers
For container growth, choose terra cotta or plastic pots with good drainage. Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 8 to 10 hours (optional), fill pots with lightly moistened potting mix, and plant seeds 1/2 inch deep. Place the pots in a sunny location and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once seedlings have two sets of leaves, transplant them into individual 12-inch diameter pots.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers are resistant to many pests and diseases. However, they can attract aphids and spider mites, which can be managed with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew can also affect these sunflowers; treat with neem oil or horticultural oil at the first sign of infection.

Blooming and Common Problems

‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers bloom reliably without special care. Each plant produces four to five double, golden yellow blooms starting mid-summer. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming until the first frost. Overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient nitrogen can cause yellowing of the leaves.