Most sunflower varieties are famous for reaching for the sky, which usually makes them a tough fit for balconies or patios. Their massive root systems just don’t play well with the limited space of a flower pot. That’s where dwarf sunflowers come to the rescue! These little guys are perfectly happy in more cramped quarters.
How “Small” Are We Talking?
When you consider that giant sunflowers can grow up to 15 feet tall, it’s not surprising that even varieties reaching 6 feet are sometimes tucked into the “small” category. However, most compact varieties usually top out between 15 and 25 inches. Lately, we’ve even seen “micro” varieties hitting the market that stay as short as 8 to 12 inches!
Keep in mind that many small sunflowers are specially bred hybrids. They often produce very little pollen and won’t grow viable seeds. While that’s a bummer for the birds who love to snack on sunflower seeds before you can even harvest them, there is a silver lining: these hybrids are often “multiflora,” meaning one single plant can produce a whole bunch of smaller, beautiful blooms.
The Perfect Choice for Containers
The smaller the variety, the less space it needs—both above and below the soil. This makes it a breeze to grow sunflowers in pots. The true dwarfs can even live happily in a window box! Of course, you can always plant these smaller varieties in your garden beds too if you want a lower-profile look.
Popular Small Varieties and Their Heights
- Double Dandy: 24 inches; red, fluffy double blooms
- Gelber Knirps: 20 inches; yellow, double blooms
- Italian White: 4 feet; creamy white petals with a dark center
- Orange Sun: 5 feet; yellow, globe-shaped double blooms
- Piccolo: 3 feet; yellow petals with a dark brown center
- Sunny Babe: 4 feet; small yellow flowers with black centers
- Sunspot: 16 inches; golden-yellow, double blooms
- Stella: 4.5 feet; golden-yellow flowers
- Teddy Bear: 28 inches; fuzzy, yellow double blooms
- Vanilla Ice: 4 feet; small, cream-colored flowers with a long bloom season
Pro Tip:
If you have a balcony with plenty of vertical space and a large, deep pot, consider growing a standard (natural) sunflower variety for the local wildlife. They usually stay a bit smaller when grown in a container anyway, and the bees and birds will thank you!
Planting and Care
Small sunflowers aren’t divas—their needs are pretty much the same as their giant cousins. Generally, they’ll want:
- A spot with full sun and protection from heavy winds
- Loose, nutrient-rich soil
- Daily watering (just make sure they aren’t sitting in soggy soil)
- Weekly fertilizing
