Sunflower ‘Big Smile’ – Dwarf Golden Blooms for Gardens & Containers

Brighten your garden, patio, or balcony with Sunflower ‘Big Smile’, a compact, early-blooming variety that delivers cheerful golden-yellow blooms with striking black centers. Maturing in just 50–60 days, ‘Big Smile’ is celebrated for its well-branched habit and ability to produce multiple 3–6″ flowers per plant. This dwarf sunflower, growing 12–24″ tall, is ideal for containers, small beds, borders, or as a vibrant accent in mass plantings. Its approachable size and fast growth make it a favorite for gardeners of all ages and skill levels.

‘Big Smile’ sunflowers are perfect for brightening up tight spaces and patios, offering vivid color and classic sunflower charm in a manageable form. The sturdy stems support large, showy blooms that attract bees and butterflies, making this variety an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Whether grown in the ground or in pots, these sunflowers provide a long-lasting display from mid-summer through early fall. Their pollen-rich flowers are also great for cut arrangements and educational gardening projects with children.

This hardy annual prefers full sun and light, well-drained soil of low to moderate fertility. Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, spacing them 8–16″ apart to prevent crowding and encourage strong, bushy growth. For earlier blooms, start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost date and transplant carefully to avoid disturbing roots. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency as plants mature. Harvest blooms just as they begin to open for fresh arrangements, or let them fully open for drying.

Growing Success Tips:

• Plant in a sunny location with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Space plants 8–16″ apart to ensure sturdy stems and prevent overcrowding.
• Water consistently during early growth; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings once established.
• Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails, especially in damp weather.

Sunflower ‘Big Smile’ brings reliable, low-maintenance beauty to any garden or container, with a compact size that’s easy to manage and a burst of color that lifts spirits all summer long.

For the longest vase life, cut blooms early in the morning just as petals begin to unfurl.

Product Features

• Height: 12–24″ (30–60 cm); dwarf, well-branched habit
• Flower Size: 3–6″ (7–15 cm) golden-yellow blooms with black centers
• Bloom Time: 50–60 days from sowing; mid-summer to early fall
• Uses: Containers, borders, mass plantings, cut flowers, pollinator gardens
• Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus

Growing Information

• Sun Exposure: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily)
• Soil: Light, well-drained, low to moderate fertility
• Water: Moderate; keep soil moist during germination
• Sowing: Direct seed after last frost or start indoors 3–4 weeks prior
• Spacing: 8–16″ apart for best results

Key Benefits

• Early-blooming, compact variety ideal for small spaces and containers
• Bright, cheerful blooms attract bees and butterflies
• Sturdy stems and multiple flowers per plant for lasting displays
• Easy to grow, perfect for children and beginner gardeners