Winning the beauty contest

Height isn't everything. Each week, growers vote for the prettiest sunflower — and a smaller plant with a stunning bloom can steal the show.

What makes a striking bloom

• Freshness. A newly, fully-open flower with crisp, undamaged petals always wins over a tired one.
• Rich colour. Deep, saturated tones catch the eye — which is where the coloured varieties shine.
• Symmetry & a full face. An even ring of petals around a neat centre looks its best.
• Character. Unusual colours and forms stand out from a field of classic yellow.

Pick a show-stopper variety

If beauty is your goal, grow for it: ornamental varieties like Velvet Queen, Moulin Rouge, Ring of Fire, Earthwalker or Chocolate bring reds, bronzes and bicolours that a standard yellow can't match. See sunflower types.

Catch it at its peak

A sunflower is at its most beautiful in the first few days after it fully opens, before the petals start to fade. Photograph it then, in soft morning light.

Nail the photo

Get level with the flower, fill the frame, keep the background clean and shoot in gentle light. Our photo guide has the details.

Join in

Vote for blooms you love and leave a kind comment — a lively, friendly contest is more fun for everyone, and growers remember the growers who cheer them on.

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