Sunflower Gummy Bear | Helianthus annuus | Short-stemmed cut flower

Sunflower Gummy Bear

Helianthus annuus · Short-stemmed cut flower

Sunflower Gummy Bear is a cheerful, short-stemmed sunflower with fully double, fluffy blooms in a soft lemon-yellow tone. A charming companion to Teddy Bear, this variety is slightly taller, lighter in colour, and flowers a few days later, while maintaining a similar compact, well-branched habit.

Plants are uniform and branching, producing abundant 3–5″ (7–12 cm) blooms with minimal pollen, making them ideal for short-stemmed cut flowers, containers, and garden beds. With strong visual appeal and excellent garden performance, Gummy Bear is equally suited for home gardens, landscaping, and professional plantings.

Plant Information

• Scientific name: Helianthus annuus
• Common name: Sunflower
• Variety: Gummy Bear
• Type: Annual
• Flower colour: Lemon yellow
• Flower form: Fully double, fluffy
• Days to maturity: ~75–85 days
• Bloom size: 7–12 cm)
• Plant height: ~150–170 cm
• Spread: Up to ~20 cm
• Bloom habit: Branching
• Pollen: Low

Growing Information

• Light preference: Full sun
• Soil: Light, well-drained soil with low to moderate fertility
• Days to germination: 7–14 days at 21–24 °C

Sowing

• Direct sow (recommended):
  Sow after last frost, 1/2″ (1–1.5 cm) deep, in groups of 3–4 seeds. Thin to one plant once true leaves appear.

• Transplanting:
  Sow in final containers (1 seed per 15 cm pot or 3 seeds per 1-gallon container) 3–4 weeks before planting out.
  Dislikes root disturbance — transplant only at the 3–4 true leaf stage if needed.

Growing On

• Day temperature: 21–27 °C
• Night temperature: 10–16 °C
• Warmer conditions promote taller growth; cooler conditions keep plants more compact.

Spacing

• Plant spacing: 20–30 cm
• Space plants so leaves do not touch. Crowding results in taller plants with weaker stems.

Harvest & Use

• Fresh cuts: Harvest when flowers are just beginning to open
• Dried flowers: Harvest fully open blooms; air-dry or use silica gel
• Uses: Containers, mass plantings, landscaping, short-stemmed cut flowers

Why Grow Gummy Bear?

• Fully double, fluffy blooms with minimal pollen
• Uniform, well-shaped plants
• Excellent for containers and garden beds
• Eye-catching lemon-yellow colour
• Suitable for both hobby gardeners and professional growers