Sunflower, Sunny Smile

Sunny Smile is a dwarf sunflower (only 15 inches tall) perfect for containers and kids' gardens. The cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers bloom early and keep coming, making these perfect for small spaces.

Sunflower: Iconic summer annuals (Helianthus annuus) that produce dramatic, sun-tracking flowers and nutrient-dense seeds, making them a stunning feature for edible landscapes and attracting birds and wildlife. Giant varieties reach 8-12 feet with dinner-plate-sized blooms, while branching types offer multiple smaller flowers perfect for cutting. Dwarf cultivars are suitable for containers, and pollen-free types are excellent for a 6-10 day vase life. Seeds are rich in healthy fats and protein.

• Growing Tips: Transplant carefully 1-2 weeks after last frost, spacing 12-24 inches apart depending on variety; handle roots gently as they are sensitive to disturbance.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun (6-8 hours minimum).

• Preferred Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates poor soil and moderate drought once established.

• Harvest Details: Cut flowers at petal emergence for vase life; for seeds, allow heads to mature fully on the plant until the back turns yellow-brown (typically 80-120 days), then cut and dry; protect ripening seeds from birds with netting.