Planting & Growing Potted Sunflowers
Get Ready for Sunflower Blooms
Sunflowers are the cheerful giants of the summer garden, but did you know they can also thrive beautifully in pots? With the right techniques — and the right clean, organic soil from The Worm Farm Portland — you can enjoy vibrant sunflower blooms right on your patio, balcony, or porch!
Here's your simple guide to planting and growing gorgeous sunflowers in containers.
Why Grow Sunflowers in Pots?
When most people think of sunflowers, they picture towering stalks in endless fields. But many varieties are perfect for container gardening! Compact sunflowers add a joyful burst of color to small spaces — and growing them in pots makes it easier to control soil quality, sunlight, and drainage.
The key? Start with the right sunflower variety, the right pot, and — just as importantly — the right soil.
We highly recommend using our clean, organic mixes such as:
Organic Kelp Myco Mix — rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes
Premium Gwen's Mix — ideal for strong root development and healthy blooms
Both are available at The Worm Farm Portland, ensuring your sunflowers grow chemical-free and thrive from day one.
Step-by-Step: How to Grow Sunflowers in Pots
1. Pick the Right Sunflower Variety
Not every sunflower is suited for a pot. Dwarf and compact varieties are your best bet. Great choices include:
‘Firecracker’ (2–3 ft tall, beautiful gold-red blooms)
‘Little Becka’ (1–2 ft tall, warm copper tones)
‘SunBuzz’ (a petite 20 inches, bright yellow flowers)
‘Teddy Bear’ (fluffy, golden blooms, 2–3 ft tall)
You can even grow Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia) for an exotic flair!
2. Choose a Proper Pot
Look for pots that:
Have a large drainage hole
Are heavy enough to resist tipping over
Are made of porous material like terra cotta (which “breathes” and prevents waterlogging)
Tip: Bigger pots dry out slower and give your sunflower more room to flourish — aim for at least 12 inches deep.
3. Use High-Quality Organic Soil
This step is crucial! Sunflowers are heavy feeders and need nutrient-dense soil with excellent drainage.
We suggest using:
Worm Farm Portland's Premium Gwen's Mix for powerhouse nutrition
Or, for a mycorrhizal boost, try our Organic Kelp Myco Mix
Both options are free of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fillers — ensuring strong, vibrant, organic growth.
4. Plant Your Seeds
Fill your pot with your chosen soil, leaving about an inch from the rim.
Moisten the soil slightly before planting.
Plant 2–3 seeds about ½ inch deep.
Lightly cover and water gently.
Once seedlings appear, keep only the healthiest one, snipping the others at the base to avoid disturbing roots.
5. Find the Perfect Spot
Sunflowers love the sun! Place your pot where it will receive 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily — a south-facing deck or patio is ideal.
Also, try to shelter your pots from strong winds, which can snap young stalks.
6. Water Regularly (But Smartly)
Keep the soil evenly moist — not dry and not soggy. Potted plants dry out faster than those in the ground, especially in summer heat, so check soil moisture daily.
Quick Tip: Poke your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water!
7. Fertilize and Maintain
Because containers can deplete nutrients fast, fertilize your sunflower with a slow-release organic fertilizer or compost tea during the growing season.
Deadhead (remove faded blooms) to encourage even more flowers!
Quick Sunflower Potting Checklist
Choose seeds (Dwarf varieties) - We recommend Firecracker, SunBuzz, Teddy Bear.
Pick a pot (Terra cotta, good drainage) - We recommend 12” deep with drainage.
Use quality soil (Worm Farm Portland Organic Mixes) - We recommend to use organic fertilizers only.
Full Sun Spot (6-8 Hours of Sun) - We recommend south facing patios if possible.
Final Thoughts - Invest in Quality for the Best Blooms
Growing sunflowers in pots is simple, rewarding, and a lot of fun — but success always starts with what you put into the soil. Using The Worm Farm Portland’s 100% organic, nutrient-rich soil mixes ensure your sunflowers have everything they need to thrive — no chemicals, no worries, just stunning, happy blooms.
Ready to get planting?