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I’ve always loved sunflowers, and when I learned there were dwarf sunflower varieties, I was over the moon. I could finally have pots of sunshine in my house. This meant I could admire the prettiness of the dwarf sunflowers all day long, and not only when I was outside and spending time in my yard.
I’ve made mistakes here and there as I learned all about growing dwarf sunflowers, but with this dwarf sunflower guide, you can learn from my mistakes.
A win-win, right?
Learn about these miniature versions of the giant sunflowers we all know (and love). I cover different dwarf sunflower varieties, a complete care guide, tips for growing these beauties, and common problems and solutions.
My Bottom Line Up Front: The Best Dwarf Sunflower
Choosing the best dwarf sunflower isn’t an easy choice. But I finally decided on a winner, or shall I say it’s a tie between four dwarf sunflower varieties?
I love the Elf sunflowers because they are the smallest of the dwarf sunflowers, AND they attract butterflies.
Then there are the Florenza sunflowers with bright reddish-orange petals and mild chocolate scent, and the Double Dandy sunflowers with deep cherry halo and light reddish-cream petal tips. I’m also enamored with the Little Becka sunflowers with a double halo.
What Are Dwarf Sunflowers?
Dwarf sunflowers are mini versions of traditional, larger sunflowers, native to North America. These miniature sunflowers are hybrids and the result of selective breeding. We all know how bright and stunning large sunflowers are, whether you’ve seen them grow in fields or in someone’s backyard. So I wouldn’t blame you if you thought the dwarf varieties would lack vibrancy.
Honestly? Dwarf sunflowers are just as vibrant, charming, and cheery.
Sunflowers look like daisies for a reason – they belong to the daisy family of Asteraceae. Their scientific name is Helianthus annuus.
Their larger counterparts come in various colors, from yellow and orange to pink, red, and purple. At the same time, dwarf sunflowers can be found in shades of yellow, orange, cream, pink, and red. Some cultivars even have bi-colored flowers.
Dwarf sunflowers grow to a height of 6-48 inches (0.5-4 feet); they grow taller in your yard than when potted.
Most dwarf sunflowers are annuals, meaning they have a year’s life cycle, and once it dies, that’s it. However, it can resprout from seeds that have been dropped in the soil. Perennial varieties come back every year, provided they grow in the right conditions.
40 Dwarf Sunflower Varieties
There are various dwarf sunflower cultivars. Here are the 40 most popular varieties to consider for your garden or indoor spaces:
1. Teddy Bear Sunflowers
Height: 12-24 inches
The pollenless Teddy Bear dwarf sunflower (also called the Sungold Dwarf sunflower) looks like a fluffy pom-pom. The dense double fluffy flowers are bright yellow-orange and grow 3-5 inches wide. The Teddy Bear features multi-stems and multi-headed blooms.
Use the petals over your green salads or cake decorating to add vibrant color to your naked or minimalist cake.
Seeds take 7-14 days to germinate. Space the Teddy Bear sunflower 24-48 inches apart.
2. Elf Sunflowers
Height: 14-16 inches
The smallest dwarf sunflower is the Elf, which only grows to a maximum height of 16 inches. The Elf sunflower also spreads 6-8 inches wide.
The tiny 4-inch-wide gold flowers are adorable, and best of all, they attract butterflies. (I’m sure you can guess by now that I’ve planted a ton of these in pots and placed them in and around my house.)
3. Yellow Pygmy Sunflowers
Height: 18-22 inches
The Yellow Pygmy sunflower is another tiny sunflower variety. Yellow Pygmy sunflowers grow classic-shaped sunflower blooms in lemon yellow that’s offset against their darker center discs.
These sunflowers are ideal for growing in pots and the first row of a garden bed. When the plants have bloomed, cut the Yellow Pygmy sunflowers and add splashes of bright yellow to your kitchen, study, or living room.
4. Firecracker Sunflowers
Height: 24-36 inches
Firecracker sunflowers are simply stunning with their two-toned petals that are gold tipped. The 4-5 inch petals change to a red halo at the base of the black, dark brown center discs.
These pollenless sunflowers are compact and dense with their branches, making them suitable for containers.
5. Double Dandy Sunflowers
Height: 24 inches
For a reddish dwarf sunflower, the Double Dandy fits the bill. The Double Dandy sunflower has 4-5-inch wide semi-double flowers with a black center and deep cherry/burgundy red. The tips of the petals are lighter, like a reddish cream. Multiple flowers grow from one stem.
These flowers are highly sought-after and add color to a sunflower arrangement.
6. Little Becka Sunflowers
Height: 36-40 inches
Little Becka sunflowers are one of the taller dwarf sunflower cultivars. These pretty sunflowers are easily identified by their bicolor flowers that grow 6 inches in width.
The flowerheads have a light brown center, red/burnt orange halo that forms around the disc base, and bright orange-yellow tipped petals. Some Little Becka sunflowers have a lighter yellow-orange halo that bleeds into a dark red halo before you see the bright yellow flower tips.
The pollenless Little Becka is an eye-catcher for sure, whether you’ve planted these dwarf sunflowers in pots or in the ground
7. Ms. Mars Sunflowers
Height: 20-30 inches
Ms. Mars sunflowers are incredible with their dark-red or red-pink to purple-hued petals. The rich chocolate brown disc is surrounded by a halo of rose-purple ray petals that then changes to a reddish-pink before the tips are dipped in cream.
These daisy-like 5-inch sunflowers grow compact and spread 18-24 inches wide.
8. Junior Sunflowers
Height: 24 inches
Junior sunflowers are another miniature variety. The “junior” in the name kinda gives you a clue. Before blooming, a junior sunflower produces ornamental leaf rosettes that are just as pretty and special as the blooms themselves.
Juniors are pollen-free, and their 5-inch bright yellow flowerheads make a great focal point in flower pots, planters, or the front row of your garden.
Remember to space these sunflowers well because they do branch out.
9. Tithonia Fiesta Del Sol Sunflowers
Height: 24-36 feet
The Tithonia Fiesta Del Sol is the first Mexican dwarf sunflower. It grows small 2-3 inches wide flowerheads.
The petals are a bright reddish-orange that will put you in a fiesta mood!
10. Sunbright Supreme Sunflowers
Height: 36 inches
If you love having flowers in your home, the Sunbright Supreme sunflower is a winner. It is revered for its long vase life, so simply cut these flowers, put them in vases, and color-fy your house.
The 6-inch-wide Sunbright Supreme sunflowers have golden rays of petals and a dark brown center disc. The petals are shorter and rounder than most other sunflower types, and the stems also don’t have a lot of lower leaves.
11. Big Smile Sunflowers
Height: 24 inches
The Big Smile sunflower sounds like it should be way larger than it is, but it’s simply a shorter version of the classic sunflower with yellow petals and a brownish-black disc.
The Big Smile flowerheads are typically 3-5 inches wide. You should plant these early-maturing sunflowers in containers, mass plantings, or as a garden border.
12. Dwarf Incredible Sunflowers
Height: 30-40 inches
Now, this is a cool name for a mini sunflower. Dwarf Incredible sunflowers have shorter stems (15-20 inches) than other dwarf sunflower varieties, but their flowerheads grow up to 10 inches in width.
The petals of a Dwarf Incredible are vibrant yellow, and the center disc has a greenish-golden hue. Grow these sunflowers in containers or in your plant beds.
13. Sunny Smile Sunflowers
Height: 6-20 inches
The Sunny Smile sunflower is a genuine dwarf sunflower. This compact, early-maturing sunflower grows 2-5 inch wide flowers that are a striking yellow and golden orange with black discs.
The easy-to-grow miniature sunflower blooms all year round. In a small pot with short-day conditions, this plant is tiny at 6 inches tall, but in a larger pot with longer-day conditions and more sunlight, the Sunny Smile branches out and grows to a height of 15-20 inches.
14. Dwarf Double Sungold Sunflowers
Height: 24-36 inches
Planting the Dwarf Double Sungold will spruce up your deck or patio. The sunflower sports fully double luscious petals that look soft and fluffy. The bright yellow and orange flowers grow to 4-6 inches and bloom from mid-summer to fall.
Plant your Dwarf Double Sungold along the border of your garden, or cut the flowers to make the perfect summery flower arrangement.
15. Sunfinity Sunflowers
Height: 48 inches
Sunfinity has an extended blooming period, meaning the dwarf sunflower blooms for most summer months. A flowerhead grows 3-4 inches in width, and there are typically 50 vibrant yellow sunflowers per a free-branching Sunfinity plant. The center disc is a rich, dark brown with golden hues.
16. SunBuzz Sunflowers
Height: 20 inches
SunBuzz is a quick-maturing dwarf sunflower that blooms continuously throughout the summer months. The 4-inch wide flowers have a dark brown center disc and bright yellow petals.
Grow one SunBuzz sunflower in a pot that’s 8-10 inches in diameter. If you have a larger pot, space the dwarf sunflower cultivar 6-7 inches apart.
17. Solsation Flame Sunflowers
Height: 18 inches
Solsation Flame is a compact, bushy sunflower bred to be grown in pots. The petals are two-toned with bronze-red inner petals and gold tips. The center discs are dark brown.
18. Suntastic Sunflowers
Height: 24-30 inches
Suntastic dwarf sunflowers are easy to grow in pots, window boxes, and planters. This cultivar is an All-America Selections winner and a branching sunflower with up to 20 flowerheads on multiple stems per plant.
The pollenless, fast-maturing blooms are 5-6 inches wide and feature sunny yellow petals and a dark brown, almost black disc.
19. Music Box Mix Sunflowers
Height: 28 inches
The Music Box Mix sunflower produces bi-colored petals in cream, yellow, and mahogany-red hues. The flowerheads of this dwarf sunflower variety are 4-5 inches wide.
Plant these award-winning sunflowers 15-18 inches apart as they have a branching habit of forming clusters of sunflowers.
20. Pacino Gold Sunflowers
Height: 12-16 inches
Pacino Gold is a branching dwarf sunflower that produces 4-10 flowerheads from one sturdy stem. The petals are light yellow, and the disc is yellow-green. The blooms grow 5 inches wide.
The Pacino Gold sunflowers are perfect for plant borders and containers, and when cut, they make stunning flower arrangements.
21. Sundance Kid Sunflowers
Height: 12-24 inches
The Sundance Kid sunflower is one of the older dwarf sunflower cultivars. The fluffy semi-double flowers have a chocolate brown disc and petals that start out red in the middle and then fade to a custard yellow.
22. Topolino Sunflowers
Height: 16-24 inches
Topolino sunflowers are unique because they branch out with clusters of bright yellow flowers instead of growing on single stems. The Topolino grows well in pots, garden beds, and borders.
23. Zohar Sunflowers
Height: 48 inches
Zohar means “radiance” or “splendor.” That sounds about right for these Zohar sunflowers that are pollen-free and have orange-gold petals with a dark brown disc on single stems. The flowerheads grow 4-6 inches wide.
24. Elegance Sunflowers
Height: 20-30 inches
Elegant sunflowers are indeed elegant. These compact dwarf sunflowers sport gold petals and a deep brown disc that somehow makes the gold of the petals stand out even more. Elegants have a lot of flower power since the sunflower produces multi-blooms on long stems.
25. Bashful Sunflowers
Height: 36 inches
I love Bashful dwarf sunflowers with their pale yellow and salmon pink flowers. The pollen-free flowerheads grow 3-4 inches wide in dense clusters.
26. Sunspot Sunflowers
Height: 18-24 inches
The Sunspot sunflower is stunning with its yellow-gold petals and flower heads that grow 10 inches wide. This pollinator-friendly dwarf sunflower has a single stem and bloom, so plant lots of these during spring. However, plant them 2-3 weeks apart to ensure the Sunspot sunflower blooms continuously during summer.
The petals are edible, provided you don’t use chemical sprays. Beware of the bitter young dandelion greens taste.
27. Choco Sun Sunflowers
Height: 10-12 inches
The Choco Sun cultivar has bright yellow flowers with a chocolate brown center disc. This dwarf sunflower matures fast, and you’ll see flowers after 11 weeks, making them the joie de vivre of sunflowers!
28. Sunbright Sunflowers
Height: 26-60 inches
The Sunbright sunflower is one of the largest dwarf sunflowers (called a semi-dwarf variety) that can grow taller than ordinary dwarfs. The Sunbright has a single 4-6 inch wide pollen-free flower that’s golden yellow with a dark brown disc.
Sunbrights are perfect for flower arrangements, especially if you have friends who have pollen allergies.
29. Gaillardia Sunflowers
Height: 12-16 inches
The Gaillardia sunflowers have multi-stems and blooms with a rusty-red disc, orange inner petals, and yellow-tipped outer petals. Be sure to deadhead this 3-inch wide dwarf sunflower to encourage it to bloom more.
30. Mezzulah Sunflowers
Height: 36 inches
Mezzulah is a pollen-free dwarf sunflower variety with only a single, 8-inch wide sunflower on one stem. The bi-colored petals have a deep brown disc, vibrant orange inner petals, and yellow outer petals.
31. Little Dorrit Sunflowers
Height: 24 inches
Little Dorrit sunflowers are easy to grow. The cute dwarf sunflowers have yellow multi-headed blooms. The large brown disc supplies small-sized seeds that wildlife and birds love when the plant no longer blooms.
32. Waooh Sunflowers
Height: 36 inches
The Waooh sunflower sounds like a hoot! These pollen-free dwarf sunflowers grow 4 inches wide when mature, and the yellow petals with a chocolate brown disc look like little sunshine rays.
33. Little Leo Sunflowers
Height: 18 inches
The Little Leo has multiple stems that end in yellow sunflowers that look like daisies. As the name suggests, the Little Leo sunflower is dainty with the 5-inch wide blooms.
34. Starburst Aura Sunflowers
Height: 18-24 inches
I love the name: Starburst Aura. It sounds magical. This pollenless dwarf sunflower variety is double-petaled like the Teddy Bear sunflower, so it also has a fluffy or shaggy appearance. The pale, buttery lemon flowers grow 7-8 inches wide.
35. Velvet Queen Sunflowers
Height: 48 inches
The Velvet Queen sunflower looks like a royal flower with rich burnt-orange petals. These flowers are perfect for fall flower arrangements.
The flowers grow 5 inches wide and need full sun to grow.
36. Short Stuff Sunflowers
Height: 18-30 inches
I’d definitely expect there to be a dwarf sunflower variety called Short Stuff! The golden-yellow flowers grow 5-8 inches wide. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators love the Short Stuff sunflower you can plant along your garden border.
37. Starburst Greenburst Sunflowers
Height: 12-24 inches
The Starburst Greenburst sunflower is one of the only dwarf sunflowers with a light lime green center disc. The 4-6 inch semi-double flowers are golden yellow.
Starburst Greenburst sunflowers like to branch, mature early, and are easy to grow.
38. Florenza Sunflowers
Height: 15-30 inches
The Florenza sunflower is another beauty. Besides the prettiness of the petals, the sunflower even smells mildly of chocolate. Who can say no to having some of these in their home?
The 5-inch flowerhead has a unique color combination. The dark golden brown/mahogany disc is surrounded by a halo of russet red, while the petal tips are bright yellow.
39. Buttercream Sunflowers
Height: 36-48 inches
The buttercream sunflower has a light, buttery yellow flower and a dark brown disc. This dwarf sunflower is an excellent cut flower because it has many side branches. It’s easy to grow and matures early.
40. Tiger Eye Hybrid Sunflowers
Height: 30 inches
The Tiger Eye Hybrid sunflower is quite petite and a must-have for your pots, containers, and borders. The sunflower sports dark doubled centers and single bi-colored petals with a deep-red halo at the disc base before bleeding into a golden yellow.
Plant this dwarf sunflower if you want to attract pollinators to your garden or cut the pretty flowers to put in vases.
Your Dwarf Sunflower Growing and Care Guide
Planting, growing, and caring for dwarf sunflowers follow the same requirements as their larger counterparts.
Here’s all the information you need to know to ensure your dwarf sunflowers grow well and receive all the care they need.
Caring for Dwarf Sunflowers: Quick Cheat Sheet
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones | Zones 2-11 |
| Where to Grow | Indoors and outdoors
Pots, containers, planters, and garden beds |
| Days for Seeds to Germinate | 7-14 days |
| Plant Spacing Requirements | Minimum of 8-12 inches |
| Temperature Requirements | Day: 70-80°F
Night: 50-60°F |
| Light Requirements | Full sun (6-8 hours a day) |
| Soil Requirements | Nutrient rich, well draining with a pH range of 6-7.5.
Ideal soil is sandy loam |
| Fertilizer Requirements | Well-balanced, slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer fed once during the growing season |
Dwarf Sunflower Growing Zones and Temperature Requirements
Dwarf sunflowers grow best when planted in USDA plant hardiness zones 2-11, which includes most of the USA. These flowers need a daily temperature range of 70-80°F (21-27°C) and a nightly temperature range of 50-60°F (10-16°C).
The warmer the temperature and the more sun these flowers are exposed to, the more the dwarf sunflower will branch or spread. In contrast, cooler temperatures and less sun exposure cause the dwarf sunflower to be more dwarfish.
Dwarf Sunflower Light Requirements
Dwarf sunflowers love the sun, and they need the sun to flourish. These plants need between 6-8 hours of full sunlight a day.
Dwarf Sunflower Soil Requirements
The best soil for dwarf sunflowers is natural soil or a potting mix that’s nutrient-rich and well-draining. When planting your dwarf sunflowers in pots and containers, ensure these are well-draining with ample drainage holes at the bottom, so the roots don’t become waterlogged and start to rot.
Ideally, the soil should be alkaline with a pH range of 6-7.5, but if your soil is slightly acidic, the sunflowers will be okay.
Ensure the soil isn’t too rich in nitrogen, which will cause the plant to focus on growing leaves rather than the sunflowers. Keep this in mind when fertilizing the plants.
The roots of the mini sunflower are generally shorter than their large relatives, so they don’t grow very deep into the soil.
Plant sunflowers in sandy loam soil, but note the plants tolerate silty clay loam or clay loam soils.
Dwarf Sunflower Water Requirements
You need to give your dwarf sunflowers a moderate amount of water. Remember that if you plant these flowers in pots and containers, they’ll need to be watered more frequently than if they are planted in your garden beds.
Don’t overwater the sunflowers as this leads to various diseases and root rot. Dwarf sunflowers are relatively drought-tolerant, so water the plants well about once a week.
If the dwarf sunflower is still young, water the plant near the root zone, so 3-4 inches around the root crown. Once the dwarf sunflower has matured, which usually happens in 85-95 days (unless the sunflower matures early), water deeply.
If you aren’t sure when to water, I recommend checking the top inch of the soil. If the soil is dry, water; if the soil is moist, hold off watering for a day or two and then check again.
Dwarf Sunflower Fertilizing Requirements
You don’t need to worry about fertilizing your dwarf sunflowers too much or too often. Feed the dwarf sunflowers a balanced, slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer once during the growing season.
Dwarf Sunflower Pruning Requirements
There’s no need to prune dwarf sunflowers as it doesn’t have any benefit. However, if you want more flowers and the flowers to last longer during summer, then deadhead the dwarf sunflowers. Also, remove any brown or yellow leaves so the dwarf sunflowers can always look their best.
Tips to Grow Dwarf Sunflowers Successfully
Follow these planting tips to ensure your dwarf sunflower varieties grow well:
- Choose a spot where the dwarf sunflowers will receive 6-8 hours of direct sun every day.
- Plant the dwarf sunflower seeds during late spring once you are sure there won’t be more frost.
- Pick a well-draining container or pot, and add well-draining soil. If you are planting sunflowers in your garden, ensure the soil will drain well and is nutrient-rich.
- Water the soil, ensuring it stays moist until planting and throughout the germination process (which takes about 7-14 days).
- Plant the dwarf sunflower seeds half an inch into the soil.
- Meet all the dwarf sunflower needs so your plants can grow well.
Many dwarf sunflower varieties are perfect for flower arrangements because their stems aren’t too long, and the compact flowers aren’t likely to droop.
Follow these tips for cutting the flowers:
- When the dwarf sunflowers have fully bloomed, cut the flowers in the morning when they are fresh.
- Use sterilized garden shears, and wear gloves and long sleeves as the stems and leaves can cause skin irritation because of their prickly surface.
- As you cut the flowers, place them in a container filled with water.
- Once all the dwarf sunflowers have been cut, recut the stem under running water.
- Place the flowers in a vase in a sunny spot.
- Change the water in the vase every few days, and recut the stems as needed to extend the life of the dwarf sunflowers.
Common Dwarf Sunflower Problems and Solutions
Various diseases, wildlife, and pests can negatively affect the growth of your dwarf sunflower. You’ve already taken preventative measures by ensuring the plants receive the right amount of sun and water, that the soil drains well, and that the flowers are well-spaced when planting.
Common problems and solutions for dwarf sunflowers include:
| Dwarf Sunflower Problem | Dwarf Sunflower Solution |
| Downy mildew |
|
| Sclerotinia stem rot (or white mold) |
|
| Caterpillars and beetles |
|
| Cutworms |
|
| Grasshoppers |
|
| Aphids |
|
| Moths |
|
| Leafcutter bees |
|
| Snails and slugs |
|
| Finches |
|
| Rabbits |
|
| Deer |
|
FAQs
Answer: Dwarf sunflowers typically grow 6-48 inches (or 0.5-4 feet) in height. Their height depends on the variety of dwarf sunflower and growing conditions. In comparison, medium-sized sunflowers typically grow to a height of 60-72 inches (5-6 feet), and large sunflowers grow to heights of 144 inches (15 feet).
Answer: If you want your garden to look oh-so-pretty without spent blooms marring the beauty, you should deadhead dwarf sunflowers. Deadheading promotes re-blooming, encouraging your dwarf sunflowers to grow more and extending the flowers’ growing season.
When you pinch off spent blooms or deadhead, the dwarf sunflower’s energy is channeled to produce more flowers rather than seed production. You essentially trick the sunflower variety to produce more flowers.
Answer: Dwarf sunflowers are perfect for growing in your garden or in pots (both indoors or outdoors). Be sure to only plant one seed of a dwarf sunflower in a six-inch pot, and plant three seeds in a gallon pot. Follow the best care requirements for your dwarf sunflowers to optimally grow so you can enjoy their pretty flowers.
My Final Thoughts on Dwarf Sunflowers
With all these awe-inspiring dwarf sunflower varieties and a comprehensive care guide, you can finally grow your pot of gold and sunshine.
Choose the dwarf sunflower cultivar that speaks to you, decide if you want to plant it in your garden or a container, and follow the best-care practices.
My favorite dwarf sunflower varieties are the Elf, Double Dandy, Florenza, and Little Becka. I must admit, everyone oohs and aahs over my sunflower-filled front garden and the sunflowers I keep in beautiful arrangements in my home.
Now that you know all about dwarf sunflowers and how to successfully grow and look after them, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to start a flower garden.
Or maybe you want to know how long sunflowers last?