Giant sunflower varieties

Giant sunflowers are the varieties we record with an average height over 200 cm (about 6.5 feet), taken from the midpoint of the height range. NC State Extension gives 12 to 14 feet for its tallest example. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
9
Height
6–16 ft (183–488 cm)
Hardiness
Grown as an annual in every zone
Form

5 Single stem

4 Branching

Compare all 9 side by side

All 9 giant sunflower varieties

A American Giant sunflower flower up close on the plant American Giant F1 hybrid giant sunflower, 8 to 16 feet tall with 10-inch yellow flower heads. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer8–16 ft (244–488 cm) Single stem (estimated)
A Autumn Beauty sunflower flower up close on the plant Autumn Beauty Branching sunflower mix, up to 8 inch blooms in yellow, bronze and purple shades. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall8–10 ft (244–305 cm)Branching
A Evening Sun sunflower flower up close on the plant Evening Sun Multi-branching sunflower with 4–6 inch blooms in red, orange and burgundy. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall 6–8 ft (183–244 cm) (estimated) Branching
A Giant Primrose sunflower flower up close on the plant Giant Primrose Top-branching sunflower 8 to 12 feet tall with many pale creamy yellow flowers. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer8–12 ft (244–366 cm)Branching
A Kong sunflower flower up close on the plant Kong F1 hybrid giant sunflower 13 to 14 feet tall, branching, with heads up to 10 inches golden yellow heads. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer13–14 ft (400–427 cm)Branching
A Mammoth sunflower flower up close on the plant Mammoth Heirloom giant sunflower: one 10–12 inch yellow head on a single stalk up to 12 ft. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall12 ft (366 cm)Single stem
A Skyscraper sunflower flower up close on the plant Skyscraper Single-stem giant sunflower, 10 to 12 feet tall with 14-inch yellow heads. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer10–12 ft (305–366 cm)Single stem
A Sunzilla sunflower flower up close on the plant Sunzilla F1 hybrid giant sunflower, 10 to 16 feet tall with large golden yellow heads. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer10–16 ft (305–488 cm)Single stem
A Titan sunflower flower up close on the plant Titan Heirloom giant sunflower, 10 to 14 feet tall with heads up to 24 inches across. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer10–14 ft (305–427 cm) Single stem (estimated)

How to choose

  1. Compare the Height column and place tall plants where they will not shade shorter ones.

  2. Plan for full sun. NC State Extension calls for 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day.

  3. Check Days to bloom. Tall plants need a full season to reach their height.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
American Giant Single stem (estimated) 8–16 ft (244–488 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer Full sun
Autumn Beauty Branching 8–10 ft (244–305 cm) – Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Evening Sun Branching 6–8 ft (183–244 cm) (estimated) – Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Giant Primrose Branching 8–12 ft (244–366 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer Full sun
Kong Branching 13–14 ft (400–427 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer Full sun
Mammoth Single stem 12 ft (366 cm) – Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Skyscraper Single stem 10–12 ft (305–366 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer Full sun
Sunzilla Single stem 10–16 ft (305–488 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer Full sun
Titan Single stem (estimated) 10–14 ft (305–427 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer Full sun

Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow giant sunflowers?

NC State Extension says sunflowers are best planted from seed after the last frost in spring.

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