The Striking Sunflower Variety To Grow In Your Garden That's A Total Pollinator Magnet

Sunflowers have an undeniable charm as one of the most recognizable flowers. Towering, bright, and beaming with personality, they add an instant burst of joy to any outdoor space. But not all sunflowers are created equal — especially if you're trying to turn your garden into a pollinator-friendly haven. While traditional yellow blooms certainly draw attention, the Chocolate Cherry sunflower (Helianthus annuus 'Chocolate Cherry') brings a whole new dimension to your beds and borders. With deep burgundy petals that fade into rich, chocolate-colored centers, this variety offers a moodier, more dramatic take on the classic sunflower silhouette. It's eye-catching without being overpowering and blends beautifully with everything from ornamental grasses to wildflower mixes.

What makes the Chocolate Cherry sunflower truly special, though, is its ability to attract beneficial insects to your garden. Bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, making it a top-tier option for pollinator-friendly gardens. It's also one of the sunflower varieties that are excellent at attracting birds to your yard with its seed-filled heads. These sunflowers typically bloom in mid to late summer and last into fall. The plant itself can grow between six to eight feet tall, offering a bold vertical accent that keeps the garden lively as the season progresses. If you're looking to build a low-maintenance garden that works just as hard as it looks good, this variety delivers on both fronts. These sunflowers thrive in sunny spots and are surprisingly easy to grow, even for beginner gardeners. Whether you're going for whimsical charm or something a bit more refined, Chocolate Cherry sunflowers are a pollinator magnet that turns heads for all the right reasons.

Chocolate Cherry sunflowers are just as low-maintenance as their golden cousins, making them a fantastic choice for gardeners of any experience level. If you're starting from a seed, sow them directly outdoors once the last frost has passed and soil temperatures reach about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Pick a sunny, well-draining spot that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Plant each seed about an inch deep in the soil and at least one foot apart from one another, as they will need space once they take off. Water the area thoroughly after planting, then keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) as the seedlings sprout. Germination takes about 7 to 10 days. As the plants grow, consider staking them, especially if you live in a particularly windy region, as these sunflowers can get tall and heavy fast.

Once your Chocolate Cherry sunflower matures, caring for them is pretty straightforward. They prefer deep, infrequent watering once established—about once a week, or more often during particularly hot spells. Mulch can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds around the base of your plants. Fertilizer isn't essential when growing sunflowers, but a light application of a slow release mix early in the season can encourage stronger blooms. You don't need to deadhead spent flowers unless you insist on keeping your garden extra tidy. Leaving the flowers can help attract birds to your garden in late summer and fall. You can also extend the life of your sunflowers in a vase by cutting the heads and bringing them indoors. They can make a stunning holiday centerpiece with deep, fall-inspired colors or a subtle accent in your kitchen.