"Sunflower" covers everything from ankle-high pots of petals to three-storey giants. Here are the main groups — and which to pick depending on what you're after.
The record-breakers. Bred for sheer height and a single huge head, these are what you want if you're chasing the top of the Sunometer boards. Given deep soil, full sun and steady water, many will pass 3 m — and the very best, far more.
Look for: American Giant, Mammoth / Russian Giant, Titan, Sunzilla, Skyscraper, Kong, Giraffe, Mongolian Giant.
Grown for looks rather than height — rich reds, bronzes, deep chocolates and multi-toned petals, often on branching plants with many smaller heads. Perfect for a striking display or the beauty contest.
Look for: Autumn Beauty, Velvet Queen, Moulin Rouge, Earthwalker, Ring of Fire, Chocolate, Italian White, Ms. Mars.
Short, sturdy and cheerful — ideal for pots, borders, windy spots and growing with children. They stay knee- to waist-high but flower generously. They won't win the height board, but they're the friendliest to grow.
Look for: Teddy Bear, Sunspot, Big Smile, Little Becka, Suntastic, Dwarf Sunsation.
Bred for the vase: strong straight stems, uniform blooms and, in many cases, no pollen — so they won't drop yellow dust on your table (and are kinder to allergy sufferers). Great if you want flowers to bring indoors.
Look for: ProCut, Sunrich, Vincent's Choice.