The 2026 Sunflower Competition

[Meadowlark]

If we have a comp., this thread will serve as the home base including entries and discussions. Post anything 2026 sunflowers here.

We need an experienced volunteer to judge the comp. and we need to see more interest/participation from Forum members...more than just talk

Prizes (TBD) will be awarded for the following:

• Tallest sunflower
• Biggest bloom
• Most number of blooms on a single stem
• Most charismatic! Something that makes us smile
• Judges' Choice for favorite photo

Here are the rules:

• Members with more than 50 posts at the time of the draw (15th September 2026) can enter.
• The choice of seed variety is up to you, as long as it is a member of the helianthus genus.
• Feel free to plant more than one if you like! The sunflower must have been planted in 2026; you cannot submit photos from prior years.
• You can plant your sunflower(s) in the ground or in a pot.
• You have until 15th September 2026 to submit a photo of your sunflower, together with the measurement. When taking a photo of your sunflower you must make sure to write your Gardening Forums username on a piece of paper and feature it in the photo along with the measurement.
• Please note that you can submit your entry at any point before the deadline.
• You can enter more than one prize category, but you can only win one prize. Prizes are awarded in the order listed above - for example if you grew the tallest sunflower with the biggest bloom, you would win the prize for tallest sunflower but not biggest bloom. The prize for biggest bloom would go to the next person in that category.
• Most charismatic sunflower and Judges' Choice will be subjectively judged by the JUDGE(s).
• The winners will be announced on 16th September 2026, and the TBD prize will be sent to you by post.

Last year's prizes by @Griffin were very well received here and unless otherwise stated will serve for 2026.

 

[Meadowlark]

Getting my seeds ready for the big comp.... if we have it. Hoping to challenge @Treblot84 for that Tallest category this year.

 

[MiTmite9]

If only we didn't have squirrels running rampant in our garden.

 

[Meadowlark]

If only we didn't have squirrels running rampant in our garden.

Well, you could always volunteer to be a judge.