More than the giant

The supermarket-yellow giant ('Russian Giant', 'Mongolian Giant') is just one branch of the sunflower family. For cutting, choose branching varieties that throw 10–15 flowers per plant: 'Vanilla Ice' (creamy yellow), 'Velvet Queen' (deep mahogany red), 'Italian White' (palest primrose), 'Choco Sun' (dwarf chocolate, perfect for pots), 'Ms Mars' (dwarf burgundy).

Pollen-free hybrids — most notably the 'ProCut' series ('ProCut Orange', 'ProCut White Lite', 'ProCut Plum') — are best for vases as they don't shed yellow dust everywhere and last longer once cut.

Heritage and bee-friendly types: 'Lemon Queen' (1.8 m branching, RHS Plants for Pollinators), 'Earthwalker' (russet-bronze tones), 'Italian White' (the cut-flower-grower's secret weapon).