How to Grow and Care for ‘Teddy Bear’ Sunflower

Teddy Bear Sunflower Care

Growing and taking care this sunflower is much the same as caring for other types of annual sunflowers with one important difference; this dwarf cultivar has a much higher resistance to pests and disease. Due to it’s short stature, ‘Teddy Bear’ also stands up to wind and other adverse weather conditions better than taller cultivars. Here are the main points to remember:

• Give it plenty of bright direct sunlight
• Plant it in moderately fertile, well-draining soil
• Deadhead spent blooms regularly

Light

‘Teddy Bear’ sunflower needs full sun; a six to eight hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. All sunflowers are heliotropic, which means they track the movement of the sun. If you watch the large showy flowers throughout the day you will see the flowerheads turn to directly face the sun.

Soil

Sunflowers are not fussy about soil type but the soil must be well-draining. They perform better in organically rich soil with a slightly acidic soil pH level between 6.0 to 6.8. Working compost in before planting supports vigorous health and bigger, longer lasting blooms .

Water

‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers need one inch of water weekly depending on rainfall amounts and soil conditions. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and cause stems to become unstable. When the top two inches of soil become dry, thoroughly drench plants at ground level until soil is moist to six inches deep.

When grown in containers, water this dwarf sunflower at least once or twice per week.

Temperature and Humidity

Sunflowers begin to put on a show when temperatures reach between 70 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand higher temperatures if the soil doesn’t dry out. Seeds should be collected before temperatures drop below freezing. Average humidity levels are adequate.

Fertilizer

When grown in fertile soil, the ‘Teddy Bear’ sunflower won’t need fertilizer. If you’re growing this cultivar in containers or just want to give your plants a boost, start by adding compost or a balanced, granular fertilizer such as NPK 10-10-10 before planting. For potted plants, or if garden soil is not fertile, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month throughout the growing season.

Cut flowers last between six and 12 days. The best time to remove flowerheads is after the yellow rays have emerged but not yet fully opened. Avoid cutting when plants are under stress such as from drought or oversaturated conditions. Harvesting flowers for vases and bouquets encourages the plant to produce more blooms.

How to Grow Teddy Bear Sunflower From Seed

Sunflowers are extremely easy to grow from seed and germinate reliably once soil temperature reach between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Direct sowing is the recommended method although seedlings can be successfully transplanted if they are small, around two inches tall. Plan to sow seed when temperatures reach 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. which is usually three weeks after final frost in temperate zones. Gather your seeds and a small hand trowel or hoe, and follow these steps:

1. Some growers recommend soaking seed in room temperature water for 8 to 12 hours before sowing. This might accelerate germination by a few days but seeds do not require soaking to sprout.
2. Dig a shallow trench 12-inch deep. Place seeds two inches apart with the pointed part down. Cover with 12 inch of soil. Alternatively you can use your finger to press seeds into the soil about 12 inch deep. Seedlings sprout in two to three weeks.
3. After sprouting occurs, thin seedlings to 18 inches apart.

Another method for sowing sunflower seeds is to scatter them directly into the garden:

1. Rake the planting area to loosen the top two inches of soil.
2. Scatter the seeds lightly over the entire planting area.
3. Use a rake to gently cover the seeds with 12 to one inch of soil.
4. Use a hose to moisten the planting area being careful not to dislodge the seeds.
5. When seedlings emerge and have two sets of leaves, thin them to 18 inches apart.

Potting and Repotting Teddy Bear Sunflower

If you plan to grow ‘Teddy Bear’ sunflowers in containers, choose terra cotta or plastic pots. Use six inch seed starting pots with with good drainage. Follow these steps:

1. Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 8 to 10 hours before planting. This step is optional.
2. Fill pots with lightly moistened potting mix.
3. Plant three to four seeds 12 inch deep with the pointed side down, lightly cover with soil, and water.
4. Place container(s) in a sunny location and keep soil moist but not soggy. Seedlings emerge in two to three weeks.
5. Once two sets of leaves appear and seedlings are sturdy enough to handle, separate the seedlings and transplant them into individual 12 inch diameter pots to give them enough room to reach their mature height and width.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Unlike many standard-size sunflowers, the ‘Teddy Bear’ sunflower has good pest and disease resistance. Like most other plants, it can attract aphids and spider mites. You use a strong spray of water from a garden hose to knock them off the plant or spray them with insecticidal soap.

Powdery mildew is a fungus that also can affect this sunflower. At first sign of infection on leaves or stems, treat with neem oil or horticultural oil.

How to Get Teddy Bear Sunflower to Bloom

‘Teddy Bear’ sunflower blooms reliably on its own and needs no special support from the gardener. When grown in average well-draining soil, each plant puts out four to five double, golden yellow blooms starting mid-summer. Regular deadheading encourages repeated blooming up until first frost.

Common Problems With Teddy Bear Sunflower

This dwarf sunflower is easy to care for and is mostly problem free. Overwatering, underwatering or insufficient nitrogen can lead to yellowing of leaves.