Big Bear Sunflower
Helianthus annuus 'Big Bear'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
72 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Large, tall sunflower with robust stems and broad leaves. Features large, fluffy, fully-double golden-yellow blooms, 6-8 inches across, resembling a teddy bear's head. It is a branching variety, producing multiple flowers per plant.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds 1 inch deep into well-drained soil in full sun.
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination, about 7-10 days.
- Thin seedlings to the strongest plant to prevent overcrowding.
- Water regularly during dry spells for robust growth.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer for optimal blooms.
- Stake tall varieties to support heavy flower heads.
Pro Tip
Plant in early spring after the last frost for best early blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply at the base to avoid fungal issues 🌱
- Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming
- Provide support for tall cultivars
Don't
- Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk ❌
- Don’t overcrowd plants; ensure good air circulation
- Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent legginess
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Stake | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Big Bear Sunflower questions
What zones can Big Bear Sunflower grow in?
Big Bear Sunflower is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Big Bear Sunflower deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Big Bear Sunflower, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Big Bear Sunflower bloom?
Big Bear Sunflower typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Big Bear Sunflower need full sun?
Big Bear Sunflower does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Big Bear Sunflower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Big Bear Sunflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Helianthus to compare
Swamp Sunflower
Helianthus angustifolius 'First Light'
Maximilian sunflower
Helianthus maximiliani
Narrow-Leaf Sunflower Low Down
Helianthus angustifolius 'Low Down'
Bolander's Sunflower, Serpentine Sunflower
Helianthus bolanderi
Salicifolius Sunflower Willowleaf Sunflower
Helianthus salicifolius
Table Mountain Sunflower
Helianthus annuus 'Table Mountain'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Big Bear Sunflower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
