Grow Guide to Teddy Bear Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

Plant Description

Teddy Bear Sunflowers are compact, bushy sunflowers that bloom with large, fluffy, double-petaled golden blooms. Reaching 2–3 feet in height, these charming plants bring a cheerful, almost plush look to the garden with their densely packed blooms and rounded silhouette.

Perfect for small gardens, containers, or children’s plots, they are easy to grow, bloom quickly, and bring in bees and butterflies while staying neat and manageable.

Quick Facts

  • Sunlight: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily).
  • Days to Sprout: 7–15 days.
  • Days to Harvest: 70–90 days from sowing.
  • Plant Spacing: 12 inches apart.
  • Seeds per Hole: 2 seeds per hole; thin to the strongest.
  • Plant Type: Annual.
  • Planting Depth: ½ inch deep.

Best Planting Locations

  • Sunny Borders: Compact size makes these great front-of-bed or border plants that won’t overshadow others.
  • Containers: Ideal for balconies, patios, or decks. Use a large pot with good drainage and rich soil.
  • Children’s Gardens: Non-toxic, fast-growing, and visually delightful—these are a hit with young gardeners.
  • Pollinator Strips: A magnet for bees and butterflies with long-lasting blooms.

Getting Started

  1. Direct Sow Outdoors: After danger of frost has passed, sow seeds directly into garden beds or containers.
  2. Soil Needs: Loose, well-draining, fertile soil. Mix in compost for best results.
  3. Watering: Water deeply after planting and keep soil evenly moist until germination.

Companion / Enemy Plants

Good Companions: Beans, cucumbers, lettuce, zinnias.

Avoid Planting Near: Potatoes (can compete for nutrients and attract similar pests).

Attractants / Repellents

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hoverflies with their bright blooms and abundant nectar.

Repels: May help deter certain soil nematodes; can serve as a natural barrier or visual trap plant for some pests.

When to Plant

  • Spring: After last frost when soil has warmed to at least 60°F.
  • Succession Sowing: Sow every 2–3 weeks for continuous blooms through summer and early fall.

Maintenance

  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Deep watering encourages deep roots.
  • Fertilizing: Mix compost into soil before planting. Additional feeding usually not necessary unless soil is poor.
  • Deadheading: Removing spent blooms encourages more flowering and prolongs bloom season.

Harvest

  • For Bouquets: Cut when the flower is fully open. These blooms last well in vases due to their sturdy stems.
  • For Drying: Cut at peak bloom and hang upside down in a dark, dry place for use in arrangements or crafts.

Uses

  • Ornamental: A standout in garden beds, borders, and containers. Adds texture and charm to cut flower arrangements.
  • Educational: A great starter plant for children or school gardens.
  • Pollinator Support: Provides pollen and nectar to support a healthy garden ecosystem.

How to Store

  • Cut Flowers: Keep in a vase with clean water, away from direct sunlight. Trim stems every few days.
  • Dried Blooms: Hang bunches upside down in a well-ventilated, shaded area for 7–10 days.