10 florist sunflowers

Florist sunflowers are specialty hybrids of the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) bred for cut flower production. These selections produce one large bloom per stem with minimal pollen. Below are ten florist sunflower varieties commonly grown for cutting gardens and small-scale flower farms.

‘ProCut Orange’ sunflower

‘ProCut Orange’ produces bright orange petals around a dark brown disk. Blooms measure 4 to 6 inches across on plants that reach 60 to 72 inches tall. The variety is pollenless and flowers about 55 days after sowing. Close spacing at 6 inches apart encourages longer stems for cutting. The strong orange tone holds well in summer heat.

‘ProCut White Lite’ sunflower

‘ProCut White Lite’ features creamy pale yellow petals around a light golden disk. Blooms are 4 to 5 inches across on plants that grow 60 to 72 inches tall. The softer coloring fits neutral palettes where bright orange would overpower other elements. Light petals show insect feeding and bruising more easily than darker varieties. Monitor plants during bud formation and harvest promptly once petals lift.

‘ProCut Plum’ sunflower

‘ProCut Plum’ offers warm rose and muted orange tones that deepen toward the center disk. Blooms measure 4 to 6 inches across on plants that reach 60 to 72 inches tall. The variety is pollenless and single-stemmed. Full sun encourages strong color development. Excess nitrogen can produce overly tall plants with softer stems.

‘ProCut Red’ sunflower

‘ProCut Red’ features deep red petals around a dark center disk. Plants grow 48 to 60 inches tall with blooms generally 4 to 5 inches wide. Stems are slightly slimmer than some orange selections. In sustained temperatures above 90°F (32°C), petal color can appear darker. Even moisture during rapid stem elongation helps maintain stem strength.

‘Sunbright’ sunflower

‘Sunbright’ is a pollenless yellow sunflower with a dark center and uniform habit. Blooms average 5 inches in diameter on plants that reach 60 to 72 inches tall. The variety is known for consistent height and a concentrated harvest window. Succession planting every 10 to 14 days helps maintain steady production for cut flower bouquets.

‘Sunrich Orange’ sunflower

‘Sunrich Orange’ produces rich orange petals with a dark disk. Blooms measure 4 to 6 inches across on plants that grow to 60 inches tall. It often flowers a few days earlier than comparable ProCut types under the same planting date. The variety performs well in both field and protected culture. In high tunnels, nighttime temperatures between 60°F and 70°F (16°C to 21°C) support straight stems.

‘Sunrich Gold’ sunflower

‘Sunrich Gold’ carries golden yellow petals and a green to dark center disk. Blooms average 5 inches across on plants about 60 inches tall. It is pollenless and single-stemmed. Direct sow once soil temperatures reach at least 50°F (10°C) for reliable germination. Cooler soil can delay emergence and reduce uniformity in the row.

‘Sunrich Lemon’ sunflower

‘Sunrich Lemon’ features clear yellow petals with a dark disk. Blooms are 4 to 6 inches wide on plants that grow around 60 inches tall. The variety matures in roughly 55 to 60 days. Lighter yellow offers a softer look than deep orange types. Maintain even moisture during the two weeks before bloom to prevent petal distortion.

‘Sunrich Summer Provence’ sunflower

‘Sunrich Summer Provence’ is among the earliest in the Sunrich line. It flowers several days before ‘Sunrich Orange’ when sown on the same date. Blooms measure about 5 inches across on plants near 60 inches tall. Earlier timing allows growers to plan harvests for specific market dates. Succession planting every 7 to 10 days helps maintain a consistent supply through peak season.

‘Sunrich Lime’ sunflower

‘Sunrich Lime’ is distinguished by its green to lime-colored center disk surrounded by bright yellow petals. Blooms average 5 inches in diameter on plants that grow roughly 60 inches tall. The green center adds contrast without overpowering other flowers in mixed arrangements. Consistent fertility and full sun produce straight stems and uniform bloom size.

Growing florist sunflowers

Florist sunflowers need full sun and well-drained soil for the best blooms. Research from Penn State Extension shows sunflowers develop best when soil temperatures reach at least 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C) at planting depth. Plant seeds 6 inches apart to encourage longer stems. Wider spacing increases bloom diameter but often shortens stem length. Consistent moisture from germination through bud formation keeps stems straight and blooms uniform. Sow every 2 weeks in the spring for a long harvest window.

Harvest florist sunflowers when ray petals lift but before the center disk opens fully. Morning is the best time to cut stems, before the heat of the day arrives. Cut a longer stem than needed for the arrangement and immediately place the cut end into a bucket of cold water. Most florist sunflower varieties hold in the vase for 7 to 10 days under normal indoor conditions. Growing sunflowers for cut flower production becomes easier with practice.