When most people think of sunflowers, they think of the huge plants that can grow over three meters tall and have flowers the size of dinner plates. But despite the great variety of sunflowers, there are also very small varieties that only have small flowers.
How big can sunflowers get?
The size of sunflowers varies depending on the variety: dwarf sunflowers reach 20-30 cm, normal sunflowers grow to 150-300 cm and giant sunflowers can even reach 400-500 cm high. The flower size also depends on the variety, between 10 and 60 centimeters in diameter.
From dwarf sunflowers to giant sunflowers
The gardener speaks of an average sunflower size when the plants grow two to three meters high.
However, there are also varieties that are much smaller or much larger. Dwarf sunflowers only grow to a size of 20 to 30 centimeters, while giant sunflowers grow to over four meters.
- Dwarf sunflowers 20 to 30 cm
- Normal sunflowers 150 to 300 cm
- Giant sunflowers 400 to 500 cm
The size of the flowers
The flower heads can also be very different sizes. The flowers of small varieties are 10 to 20 centimeters in diameter, while the flowers of giant sunflowers are over 40 centimeters in diameter. Varieties with a flower diameter of 60 centimeters have even been bred. However, these varieties are currently only available in the USA.
The smaller the flowers, the more flower heads can appear on a plant. The larger varieties usually only grow a single, but huge, flower.
Grow small varieties in pots
Small varieties are better suited for care in pots. If you would like to try growing a large sunflower in a pot on the terrace, sow it in a pot as deep as possible.
Planting giant sunflowers on fences
Giant sunflowers are also known as American Giants. They can reach up to five meters in height. However, they need a lot of care.
If you want to grow such large sunflowers, you not only have to water the plants frequently, but above all, you have to provide them with fertilizer regularly.
The giant sunflowers also need a support structure, otherwise even a slight gust of wind would be enough to bend the plant. It is best to plant such varieties next to house walls or trees so that you can tie the sunflowers.
Tips & Tricks
The size of a sunflower is also determined by the substrate or pot size. Only when the roots have enough space to spread will the sunflower reach the size that corresponds to its variety.
