Sunflowers are one of the most beautiful flowers on Earth, I think. They come in all different varieties, from ‘Strawberry Blonde‘ to’ Coconut Ice‘ and everything in between. However, I only recently discovered what might be my most favorite variation yet: ‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers that are fluffy, adorable, and so much fun. I know what I’m planting in my back yard this year!
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- ‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers get the name from their downy blooms. As you can tell, these bad boys have way more and thinner petals that come together to create a shaggy, teddy bear-like head. Looking at them, you could almost be convinced that they’d feel like super soft velour or something (not that I recommend petting a sunflower – you don’t want to ruin it).
- They’re actually pretty common. While I’d never seen this beautiful variety before, ‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers are actually pretty common and you can get seeds for them online pretty easily as well as at your local garden center. Sometimes even grocery stores carry them. How did I not know this before now?!
- They’re not that difficult to grow. If you want to try growing your own ‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers and have some extra space in your garden or back yard, go for it. The most important things to know, according to the Royal Horticultural Society, is that they need full sunlight and do best in West-, East-, or South-facing gardens. It takes them about a year to grow to full height, but their blooms come to life in summer and are well worth the effort!
- Just think how beautiful these would look in your yard. Imagine looking out your kitchen or living room window and seeing these adorable blooms reaching up towards the sun on a warm summer’s day. You won’t be able to help but smile. How could you?
