Sunflowers are one of the most iconic and beloved garden flowers. With their bright cheery faces and towering heights, they bring so much joy and beauty to any outdoor space.

If you’re looking to add some happy sunflowers to your garden this year, choosing the right variety is key. There are so many types of sunflowers to pick from – different heights, colors, bloom times, etc. It can get overwhelming fast!

That’s why I’ve rounded up the 10 best sunflower seeds for home gardeners I’ll go through their key features and growing info so you can find your perfect match. Let’s dive in!

1. Mammoth Grey Stripe

The Mammoth Grey Stripe sunflower is one of the most popular varieties for home growing. These sunflowers produce massive blooms up to 12-16 inches across! The petals are bright lemon yellow with signature grey stripes

This sunflower variety can reach towering heights of 8-12 feet. You’ll want to give them plenty of space and support. The Mammoth Grey Stripe sunflower is ideal for backdrop plantings or anywhere you want a big visual impact.

These sunflowers are also great for snacking! The large seed heads produce meaty striped seeds perfect for eating. Mammoth Grey Stripes are easy to grow in any sunny location with decent soil drainage.

2. Autumn Beauty

As the name suggests, Autumn Beauty sunflowers provide a burst of fall color. The unique bicolor blooms come in warm shades of red, orange, bronze and yellow – perfect for the changing seasons.

Autumn Beauties grow to about 5 feet tall. The multiple branched blooms create a nice full display. This variety blooms late in the season, so it’s a great choice for extended color. Plant en masse for big impact.

These beautiful sunflowers are also magnets for pollinators like butterflies and bees. Autumn Beauty does best with full sun exposure and average soil conditions.

3. Sunspot

Sunspot is another variety known for its unique bicolor blooms. It produces 6-8 inch flowers with golden yellow petals and a deep burgundy center. The contrast is quite striking!

Sunspots grow around 5 feet tall. The sturdy single stems hold the flowers upright without drooping. This variety works nicely in borders or small bouquets. It also attracts pollinators.

While Sunspot starts blooming in midsummer, it continues into fall for an extended display. Give it full sun and moderate water.

4. Lemon Queen

Add a bright pop of lemony color with Lemon Queen sunflowers. The soft, pale yellow petals almost glow in the sunlight.

Lemon Queens grow quite large, up to 8 feet tall. But they’re not all height – the blooms span 5-7 inches across for big impact. Sturdy single stems prevent flopping.

This variety works wonderfully as a bright garden accent or cut flower. Lemon Queens bloom vigorously starting in midsummer. Be sure to give them plenty of space to thrive.

5. Velvet Queen

The Velvet Queen sunflower boasts blooms of the deepest burgundy, almost black. The color is intensified by the “velvety” texture of the petals.

This eye-catching sunflower grows to about 5 feet tall. The dark blooms contrast beautifully with the lime green centers. Velvet Queen works nicely in moody or gothic-themed gardens. It also makes a striking cut flower.

Velvet Queens bloom in late summer into fall. Give this variety full sun and fertile soil for best development. Staking the tall stems prevents flopping.

6. ProCut Bicolor

ProCut Bicolor is an excellent choice if you want sunflowers specifically for cutting. It was bred to have a long vase life up to 2 weeks!

The flowers themselves are absolutely gorgeous too. Creamy white petals transition to rich pink tips. The bicolor effect is subtle yet stunning.

ProCut Bicolor sunflowers grow approximately 5-6 feet tall. The sturdy stems hold up multiple blooms without drooping. While the flowers are only 3-4 inches across, they create quite an impact in bouquets.

Give this long-lasting variety full sun and good fertility. Cut blooms once the petals unfurl for peak vase life.

7. Soraya

Soraya sunflowers are prized for their vibrant orange petals and multi-branching habit. Each plant produces many 6 inch blooms for a splashy display.

This type grows to about 5 feet tall. Soraya features strong, upright stems that don’t require staking. The orange flowers paired with dark centers pop against most garden backgrounds.

Soraya blooms heavily starting in midsummer. It was also one of the first sunflowers to win an All-America Selections award thanks to its outstanding performance. Give it full sun and average soil.

8. Italian White

Add something unexpected with Italian White sunflowers. As the name suggests, the flowers feature creamy white petals versus the usual yellows and oranges.

Italian Whites grow approximately 4-5 feet tall on single sturdy stems. The ivory blooms make a pretty statement in any garden. Try combining them with purple and pink flowers for extra pop.

This heirloom sunflower variety thrives with full sunlight and reasonably fertile soil. The flowers attract butterflies while making striking cut arrangements.

9. Strawberry Blonde

Strawberry Blonde is another gorgeous bicolor sunflower. It produces 4-5 inch blooms with rich red petals and yellow tips. The effect almost looks like a strawberry!

This mid-height sunflower grows to around 4 feet tall. It has a branching habit, yielding multiple blooms per plant over an extended period. Strawberry Blonde is also pollen-free, making it friendly for allergy sufferers.

Give Strawberry Blonde sunflowers full sun and average fertility. The red and yellow blooms make cheery additions to garden beds and bouquets alike.

10. Moonshine

Last but not least is the ethereal beauty of Moonshine sunflowers. They live up to their name with luminous ivory-yellow petals and lime green centers.

Moonshine sunflowers grow approximately 5-6 feet tall on single sturdy stems. The lighter color provides an airy, delicate look compared to darker varieties. Try combining them with blue flowers like salvia.

This sunflower blooms vigorously starting in midsummer. The bright color and good stem strength also make Moonshine fantastic for cutting. Just give it full sun and average soil drainage.

What To Consider When Choosing Sunflower Seeds

Now that you have an idea of the most popular sunflower varieties, let’s go over a few key factors to keep in mind as you shop:

Height – Sunflowers range from 2 foot dwarfs to towering 12 foot giants. Pick based on the space you have and the impact you want.

Bloom time – Sunflowers can bloom early, mid, or late season. Choose carefully if you want flowers at certain times.

Color – The classic yellows and golds are gorgeous, but there are also red, burgundy, white, and bicolor varieties too.

Scent – Some sunflowers like ProCut Citrus have a lovely citrusy fragrance. Opt for these if scent is important.

Pollen – Many cut flower sunflowers are pollen-free. Choose these if you or loved ones have allergies.

Petal shape – From pointed to round, look for petal shapes that appeal most to you.

Uses – Consider if you want sunflowers specifically for cutting, borders, containers, etc.

Care – Make sure to pick sunflowers suited for your growing conditions like soil type, sunlight, etc.

How To Grow Sunflowers From Seed

Sunflowers are extremely easy to grow from seed! Here are some simple tips for success:

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