Growing Sunflowers for a Cut Flower Farm

At Green Willow Gardens, sunflowers are a staple in our fields throughout the season. These iconic blooms bring warmth, vibrancy, and a touch of sunshine to every arrangement. We primarily grow ProCut varieties, known for their strong stems, uniform blooms, and pollen-free nature—making them ideal for floral design.

Our Favorite Sunflower Varieties

While all sunflowers have their charm, we’ve found that ProCut Brilliance and ProCut Horizon stand out in our fields. Brilliance has a stunning golden hue with a hint of orange, while Horizon produces classic, bright yellow blooms with sturdy stems perfect for bouquets.

Succession Planting for Continuous Blooms

To keep a steady supply of sunflowers, we succession plant starting in May, adding new plantings every few weeks until early August. With a fast maturity rate—usually around 60 days—sunflowers offer a quick turnaround, making them an excellent choice for cut flower production.

Spacing for Cut Flowers

Proper spacing is essential when growing sunflowers for cutting. We plant ours 4-6 inches apart in rows to encourage tall, straight stems and manageable bloom sizes. Tighter spacing results in smaller blooms—ideal for bouquet work—while wider spacing can lead to larger flowers that might be better suited for statement arrangements.

A Reliable Backup Plan

One of the best things about sunflowers is their versatility. If we find ourselves with an empty space in the field or need to replace an underperforming crop, sunflowers make the perfect backup plan. Their quick growth and minimal care requirements allow us to fill gaps and maintain productivity in our gardens.

Whether you’re a flower farmer or a home gardener, sunflowers bring joy to every growing space!

Photos courtesy of Rachel Evelyn Photography.