Helianthusannuus‘Teddy Bear’
Even though they look more like miniature mops than a stuffed fauna , it ’s still quite easy to understand how ‘ Teddy Bear ’ helianthus got their name .
They ’re flossy , bright yellow , and a comforting small size – specially when comparedto their relativesthat can mature to 10 foot and taller !
Scientists have even see that the treble - bloomed helianthus in thefamous paintings by Vincent van Goghwere ‘ Teddy Bear ’ types , but they could n’t find the gene mutation that gave them the unripe centers as depicted by the artist .
We connect to vendors to help you discover relevant products . If you buy from one of our links , we may realise a commission .
It ’s easy to see why van Gogh was drawn to these sweetheart .
Kids tend to like them too , maybe because there ’s just something so reassuring about a bouquet or container full of lustrous , fuzzed blossom .
And the Royal Horticultural Society awarded this cultivar the esteemed Award of Garden Merit in 2015 .
gratefully , you do n’t just have to look up to them at a flower store ’s or grocery flowered incision , as it ’s entirely possible – and easy – to grow your own .
Most garden centers carry seed or you may encounter them onlinefrom on-key Leaf Market , in a multifariousness of packet sizes .
‘ Teddy Bear ’ sunflower
Just the thought of these gay , spunky annual makes me conceive of the lyrics to that Elvis tune , “ I just wanna be your … ”
So thrum along with me , as I take you through the tips and technique for grow your own ‘ Teddy Bear ’ helianthus .
Here ’s what I ’ll deal :
Tips for Growing Teddy Bear Sunflowers
What Are Teddy Bear Sunflowers?
‘ Teddy Bear ’ sunflower are adorable , starting with that name . But they have other appeal , too .
An open - pollenate midget cultivar ofHelianthus annuus , these annuals are characterise by flossy , double - petaled prime mensurate five to six inches across .
Even though this variety produces minimal pollen , the shaggy pom - pom flowers are beloved bybeesandother pollinators .
chef and salad fans prize these flush , too . The individual petals , which are in reality florets , look pretty and try out great paired withmesclun intermixture – or as an edible garnish on soups , cakes , and other decorative baked goods .
And at the end of the season , you canharvest the edible seeds , either for planting next twelvemonth or roast as a tasty and alimentary snack .
Each works post up one thick central stalk that branch into multiple double rosiness , and reaches a fledged height of just two to four foot marvelous .
They blossom over a menstruum of about five weeks , unremarkably starting from around 75 days after direct sowing , and provide coloring material for the relief of the summertime .
Best Uses
Like the child ’s beloved stuffed animal protagonist , these annuals are helpful in a circle of office .
They ’re a coloured choice for sundry bed or perennial borders . Their compact , shaggy-haired form is ideal for filling in the space in front of long - stemmed , tallH. annuusvarieties in a garden or landscape painting .
With large blooms on uncompromising stem , they ’re a top choice forcutting gardensand make attractive floral system .
Since they bloom over a period of five weeks or more , you will have an ample supply to fill your vessel .
gardener who want toattract pollinatorswill appreciate this miscellanea , as will anyone who wants to save seminal fluid for planting next year .
This cultivar is open - cross-pollinate , so provide you are not growing it near any otherH. annuusvarieties , saved seed should produce flowers that are dependable to the parent plant .
They ’re also a okay choice forgrowing in containers – or just about anywhere in the garden where they can get plenteous sun .
Since they ’re so easy to turn and so witching , I also moot them a standout choice for achildren ’s garden .
Growing Tips
All of the advice from ourguide to grow sunflowersapplies to this midget variety .
To recap , H. annuusthrives in afull sun location , with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day . plant call for organically copious , promiscuous , well - draining dirt .
For this cultivar in particular , here are a few tips :
1. Sow Seeds at the Right Time
Despite all the voluntary that you might have seen sprouting beneathyour bird feeder , the safest stake for outside sowing is to wait for the soil temperature to reach 65 - 85˚F. This is the optimum temperature for successful germination . instead , you canstart seed indoors .
2. Give Them Enough Room
They may not develop to the rarified meridian of some of theirH. annuusrelatives , but ‘ Teddy Bear ’ sunflowers have a bushy growth drug abuse . outer space plants 18 - 24 inches aside .
3. Protect Young Plants
bird , hare , squirrels and the like are fond of crunch on the seedling . Protect them withrow coversor bird clear if you have fuss with those marauders in your garden .
4. Give Them Enough Time to Grow
It ’s only a very general prescript of ovolo that smaller edibles grow more quickly . In this case , interchangeable to a miniature winter squash , ‘ Teddy Bear ’ sunflowers take just as long to bloom as many of their much larger relatives . They may be light in stature , but they still need 75 Clarence Day or so from imbed to produce their gorgeous blooms .
5. Deadhead Regularly
If youcut spent blooms systematically , it will encourage the stems to produce more flowers throughout the season .
6. Avoid Pesticides on Edibles
Avoid the utilization of pesticide and herbicide at any time during the growing process if you intend to consume the petals , or the seeds .
A Cuddly Sunflower?
When I ca n’t see my know ones in somebody , I strain to compose . One of my favorite signal - offs is , “ debate yourself hug . ”
‘ Teddy Bear ’ sunflowers are sort of the same thing .
You ca n’t embrace them , no . But to me , a aspect of a few of their pollyannaish faces nod and smile in a border , or a seraphic bouquet of these sunny , bushy bloom of youth in a vase , experience like a virtual hug .
For more of the scoop ongrowing sunflowers , check off out these guides next :
© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more detail . ware photo via True Leaf Market . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .
About
Rose Kennedy
