There’s something eternally captivating about sunflowers. Perhaps it’s their association with the warmth and radiance of the Summer sun, or the way they tower majestically over other garden plants. Or maybe it’s their simple yet cheerful beauty, with golden petals surrounding a dark, seed-filled center. Whatever the reason, sunflowers hold a special place in the hearts of gardeners and flower lovers everywhere.

I’ve always been particularly fond of sunflowers. As a child, I remember marveling at the giant specimens that grew in my grandfather’s vegetable patch, their hefty blooms nodding in the breeze. Now, in my own gardens, I never fail to dedicate a patch of earth to these towering beauties. They bring a unique joy and exuberance to the garden that’s quite unlike any other flower.

If you, too, want to experience the delight of sunflowers in your garden, you’ll be pleased to know that they are remarkably easy to grow. All they ask for is a sunny spot, some well-draining soil, and regular watering. In return, they’ll reward you with a glorious display of blooms that will light up your garden from midsummer through Autumn.

But with so many wonderful sunflower varieties to choose from, which ones should you grow? Allow me to share five of my personal favorites—each with its own distinct charm and personality. From skyscraping giants to petite, fluffy-flowered charmers, these sensational sunflowers are sure to bring a smile to your face and a touch of radiant cheer to your garden. And if you want to learn about a few more, download our FREE Sunflower Garden Planting Chart.

First, there’s the aptly named Skyscraper Sunflower. These lofty plants can ascend to heights of over 12 feet, making them a fantastic choice for a living screen or a dramatic backdrop. The large, golden-yellow flowers can span up to 14 inches across, creating quite a spectacle.

For those who desire truly giant sunflowers, look no further than the American Giant. This variety is a real showstopper, with plants growing up to 16 feet tall and massive blooms reaching 18 inches in diameter. The seeds are also a favorite of many birds and wildlife.

Another impressive tall variety is the Russian Mammoth Sunflower. Originating from Russia, these robust plants can reach 9-12 feet in height and boast sturdy, thick stems. The sizable 14-inch flower heads are filled with attractively striped seeds, making them as delightful to look at as they are tasty for birds.

If you’re seeking something more petite and whimsical, give Teddy Bear Sunflowers a go. These charming plants only reach about 2-3 feet tall, with fluffy, double blooms that resemble adorable pom-poms. They’re perfect for smaller gardens or for placing at the front of a border, and children are especially drawn to their cuddly appearance.

Lastly, for those who fancy something a bit different, there are the Earthwalker Sunflowers. These unique blooms eschew the traditional bright yellow for more earthy, autumnal shades of bronze, mahogany, and terra-cotta. The multi-branching, 8-9 foot tall plants produce numerous 5-inch flowers that add stunning depth and contrast to any flower bed.

Sunflowers are marvelously easy to grow, thriving in a sunny spot with regular watering. Whichever varieties you select, you’ll be rewarded with a glorious display of radiant blooms from midsummer well into the Autumn months. So go ahead and plant a diverse array of these five fantastic sunflowers!

If you’d like to know about more beautiful sunflowers to grow, download our free printable Sunflower Garden Planting Chart which lists nine varieties of Sunflowers for several different garden conditions and plans. Along with a frame-worthy chart, you also get Sunflower planting tips, with planting and watering information that can help you grow your Sunflowers. Get our Sunflower Garden Planting Chart for FREE and decide which varieties of Sunflowers you want to grow. Your garden will be better for it!

What’s your favorite sunflower to grow? Let me know in the comments!