Teddy Bear Sunflower Seeds produce compact, branching plants covered with fluffy golden-yellow flowers. Unlike ordinary sunflowers with an open dark centre, Teddy Bear develops densely packed petals that give each bloom its soft, rounded appearance.
Its shorter height makes it easier to grow in pots, borders and smaller home gardens. Each pack contains 10+ seeds.
Seed Details
| Detail |
Information |
| Seed quantity |
10+ seeds |
| Plant type |
Annual flowering plant |
| Growth habit |
Dwarf and branching |
| Height |
Approximately 2 to 3 feet |
| Flower colour |
Golden yellow |
| Flower form |
Fully double and fluffy |
| Growing season |
Warm season |
| Best location |
Full sun |
Sunflowers were first domesticated in North America. Teddy Bear is an ornamental dwarf variety selected for its compact growth and densely petalled flowers.
Why Grow It
- Distinctive fluffy double flowers
- Shorter than standard sunflowers
- Suitable for large pots and grow bags
- Produces several blooms on branching plants
- Useful for borders and flower displays
- Flowers can be cut for indoor arrangements
- Easy to grow from seed in warm weather
- Suitable for beginners and children’s gardens
Best Time
Sow Teddy Bear Sunflower Seeds from February to April in most parts of Pakistan. Starting during spring gives the plants time to develop before the strongest summer heat.
In very hot areas, including southern Punjab and interior Sindh, sow early in the season. Another sowing can be made after the most intense summer heat begins easing.
In Karachi and coastal areas, sow during mild, sunny weather and avoid periods of continuous heavy rain.
How to Sow
- Choose a sunny location with loose, well-draining soil.
- Sow seeds approximately ¾ to 1 inch deep.
- Keep the soil lightly moist until seedlings appear.
- Thin or transplant crowded seedlings while they are still young.
- Leave approximately 12 to 18 inches between plants.
Sunflowers develop strong roots and perform best when sown directly where they will grow. If started in small pots, transplant them before the roots become crowded.
Growing in Pots
Use one plant in a pot at least 12 inches wide and deep. A larger container provides more stable moisture and gives branching roots additional room.
Place the pot where the plant receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. Rooftop and balcony plants may need protection from strong wind.
Plant Care
Water deeply when the upper soil begins drying. Avoid giving only a small surface sprinkle, as sunflower roots grow below the upper layer.
Use fertile soil but avoid excessive nitrogen, which can produce large leaves with fewer flowers. When buds begin forming, a suitable flowering fertilizer such as NPK 5-15-45 can be applied according to its directions.
Branching plants carrying several flowers may need support in exposed rooftop gardens.
Flowering
Plants usually begin flowering approximately 8 to 10 weeks after sowing, depending on temperature, sunlight and growing conditions.
For cut flowers, harvest when the petals have started opening but the bloom is not fully mature. Cut during the morning and place the stem in clean water immediately.
FAQs
Why is my Teddy Bear Sunflower growing tall and weak?
Insufficient sunlight and crowded planting can cause stretched, weak stems. Move container plants into stronger direct sunlight and provide enough space between plants.
Why are the flowers not as fluffy as expected?
The first flowers, extreme heat or poor growing conditions may produce a less densely petalled bloom. Later flowers can develop a fuller appearance when the plant receives strong sunlight and balanced nutrition.
Can I pinch the plant to produce more branches?
Yes. Pinching the growing tip when the plant is young can encourage additional side branches and more flower stems, although it may delay the first bloom slightly.
Why are the flower heads smaller in pots?
Restricted root space, irregular watering or overcrowding can limit flower size. Grow one plant in a sufficiently large pot and maintain even moisture during bud development.
Can seeds be collected from the finished flowers?
Seeds may develop after pollination, but plants grown from saved seed may vary if other sunflower varieties were flowering nearby. Allow the head to dry fully before collecting any mature seeds.
Common Names: Teddy Bear Sunflower, Dwarf Sunflower
