White sunflower varieties

White sunflowers are the varieties sellers describe as white, cream or ivory. NC State Extension lists white among the colors that hybridization has added to the common yellow. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
6
Height
3–12 ft (91–366 cm)
Hardiness
Grown as an annual in every zone
Form

5 Branching

1 Single stem

Compare all 6 side by side

All 6 white sunflower varieties

A Buttercream sunflower flower up close on the plant Buttercream Pollenless cut sunflower with pale butter-yellow flowers and brown centers. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer4–5 ft (122–147 cm) Branching (estimated)
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 Italian White sunflower flower up close on the plant Italian White Heirloom branching sunflower with 4 inch cream petals around a dark center. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall4–6 ft (122–183 cm)Branching
A Jade sunflower flower up close on the plant Jade Pollenless branching sunflower with pale greenish white petals and lime-green centers. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer3–4 ft (91–122 cm)Branching
A ProCut White Nite sunflower flower up close on the plant ProCut White Nite Pollenless cut sunflower with creamy, almost white petals and a dark center. Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer5–6 ft (152–183 cm)Single stem
A Vanilla Ice sunflower flower up close on the plant Vanilla Ice Multi-branched Helianthus debilis, about 5 ft tall, with creamy light yellow flowers. Midsummer, Late summer, Fall5 ft (152 cm)Branching

How to choose

  1. Look at the Color column. Sellers use white for tones that run from cream to pale lemon, so check the record for each one.

  2. Compare the Height column, since light-colored varieties are sold in both short and tall forms.

  3. Check Bloom time. NC State Extension gives July to October as the sunflower bloom period.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Buttercream Branching (estimated) 4–5 ft (122–147 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer Full sun
Giant Primrose Branching 8–12 ft (244–366 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer Full sun
Italian White Branching 4–6 ft (122–183 cm) – Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun
Jade Branching 3–4 ft (91–122 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer Full sun
ProCut White Nite Single stem 5–6 ft (152–183 cm) – Early summer, Midsummer, Late summer Full sun
Vanilla Ice Branching 5 ft (152 cm) – Midsummer, Late summer, Fall Full sun

Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.

Frequently asked questions

How much sun do white sunflowers need?

The same as other sunflowers. NC State Extension calls for full sun, 6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day.

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