Not everyone has a garden with enough space to grow large sunflowers. Many flower lovers rely on balconies and terraces. Small sunflowers are better suited to these locations. They don't grow as tall and take up less space overall.
Which small sunflowers are suitable for balconies and terraces?
Small sunflowers are ideal for balconies and terraces due to their lower height and space requirements. Some recommended varieties include Italian White, Orange Sun, Garden Statement, Sunspot, Teddy Bear, Double Dandy and Yellow Knirps. Their care is similar to that of large sunflowers, which require regular watering and fertilization.
Small sunflowers take up less space
Large sunflower varieties reach a height of a good three meters. Sometimes they even reach five meters high. These varieties need a lot of space not only in height but also in width.
The smaller the adult sunflowers are, the less space they require. The small varieties can be grown wonderfully in buckets or pots, especially on the terrace or balcony.
Most small varieties are low in pollen
Most small sunflower species are hybrids. They only produce a small amount of pollen. This means the terrace and balcony stay clean because no pollen is deposited.
However, these varieties are not a good solution for the environment. Bumblebees and other insects that feed on pollen cannot find food in the flowers. These varieties also do not form germinable seeds.
If possible, you should try to grow normal species on the balcony.
Caring for small sunflowers
The care is no different from that needed by large sunflowers. It is important that the soil is never completely dry and that the flowers are fertilized regularly so that they can develop many flowers.
A selection of small sunflower varieties
| Name | Height | Flower color | Flower diameter | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian White | 120cm | Cream-white with dark blue eye | 10 – 12 cm | multi-flowered |
| Orange Sun | 100 – 150 cm | Yellow | 12 – 15 cm | ball-shaped double flowers |
| Garden Statement | 80cm | Lemon yellow, dark heart | up to 25 cm | unfilled |
| Sunspot | 40 cm | Golden Yellow | 20 – 30 cm | Ideal for pots |
| Teddy bear | 70cm | Yellow | up to 15 cm | filled |
| Double Dandy | 50 – 60 cm | Red | up to 15 cm | filled |
| Yellow Kid | up to 50 cm | Yellow | up to 10 cm | filled |
Tips & Tricks
It is no longer easy to get normal sunflower varieties in stores. Why not visit the nearest allotment garden settlement in autumn? There you will certainly find hobby gardeners who will give you a few seeds from their sunflowers.
