Whoever said “good things come in small packages” must have been describing a dwarf sunflower. They offer so much in a small package!
Dwarf sunflowers are good annuals for small spaces because of their short stature. Cultivars that are three feet or less are considered dwarf, which lends them well to the front of flower beds or borders, in window boxes, and in containers.
Flower forms include single and double. Double sunflower varieties produce layer upon layer of petals that either replace the central disk of small flowers completely or hide it under fluffy petals. This contrasts with the single form where a central disk of small flowers is encircled by a couple of layers of petals.
But plant height and flower form do not dictate size of the flower. Depending on the variety, flowers can range from 3-10 inches in diameter and come in a palette of colors – yellow, golden yellow, yellow-burgundy bicolor, and burgundy with yellow tips.
Dwarf sunflowers prefer full sun and need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Optimal temperatures for growing are between 70- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit, but they can tolerate higher temperatures if their moisture needs are met. Warmer temperatures will cause stretching. Cooler temperatures cause plants to be more compact.
Once established, dwarf sunflowers are drought tolerant, requiring only a moderate amount of water when grown in the ground. If grown in a container, water them more often, but avoid overwatering. Sunflowers hate wet feet and are susceptible to root rot.
The dwarf sunflower produces an excellent cut flower. Cut flowers off the plants during the morning when the plants are the freshest and place immediately in a container of water. Be careful to note if the flower has pollen as the pollen can stain fabric.
As for me, I intend to leave my plants intact and watch the butterflies gather nectar from the flowers. Roll on those lazy, hazy summer days!