Sunflowers join Kenya’s growing floral exports

“Sunflower has always been around for oil extraction and animal feed, but with advanced research, we have developed stunning new varieties suitable for fresh-cut flower markets,” says Mildred Anyango, a sales representative for East Africa at Ball SB, a flower breeding company.

Ball SB breeds, propagates, and distributes vegetative material to professional growers. About five years ago, the company identified an opportunity to introduce ornamental sunflower varieties specifically bred for bouquets and decoration.

Sunflowers are joining established summer flowers like gypsophila, delphinium, limonium, snapdragons, marigold, and lisianthus, bringing fresh vibrancy to Kenya’s floral exports.

“Traditionally, bouquets and cut flowers for exports were dominated by roses. But now, sunflowers are adding a new dimension, bringing a burst of colour, character, and cheer,” explains Ms Anyango.

She continues: “Compare a bouquet from 20 years ago, today you will notice how much more vibrant and expressive it has become. Sunflowers have contributed significantly to this transformation.”

Unlike the large-headed oilseed sunflower, ornamental varieties have a spectrum of colours and petal formations ideal for modern floral designs. Popular varieties include Ziggy—a striking bi-coloured flower with double-layered petals—and Marley, known for its dual tones and visual appeal.

Other favourites include Carnival Sun, a bold double-flowered type; Pro-Cut Red, with deep red petals offering dramatic flair; and Vincent Fresh, featuring a unique green centre.

“These varieties bring something different to the table,” Ms Anyango notes.

“They are not only visually stunning but practical, shipping well, lasting longer, and being more compact than traditional sunflowers, which tend to be tall and bulky.”

Kenyan growers are now exporting these sunflowers mainly to Europe and the Middle East, longstanding markets for Kenyan floriculture.
But the market appeal is expanding.

“We are seeing increased interest from emerging markets in Eastern Asia, alongside continued demand from Europe,” says Clement Tulezi, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council.

There is also a shift in export practices. Rather than sending raw flowers alone, exporters are increasingly offering ready-made bouquets packaged at source—enhancing quality and boosting local consumption by making flowers more accessible.

“Although local flower consumption remains low, appreciation is growing for unique and colourful varieties like sunflowers,” Ms Anyango observes.

What makes sunflowers especially attractive to growers is their ease of cultivation. Ornamental sunflowers have a relatively short growth cycle of about two months, allowing for continuous production under good agricultural practices.

“With new varieties, florists love sourcing multiple sunflower types from a single grower,” Ms Anyango says.

If fully embraced, Mr Tulezi says, sunflowers could position Kenya as a leading one-stop shop for summer blooms, boosting local growers’ visibility on the global stage.

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