Fast-growing: Jua Maya Hybrid (45-50 days), Cherry Rose (40 days)
Prolific dwarf: Sunray Yellow
State Fair potential: Russian Mammoth
Fun for kids: Sunforest Mix (for sunflower forests or gardens near houses)
Hedge material: Sunny Bunch
Mass-planting sizzle: Suntastic Pink Bicolor Hybrid
Impressive size: Sunzilla
Long blooming: Valentine
Floral/still-life subject: Van Gogh (green centers and pollen-free)
Short stuff: Elf at 16 inches, Orange Hobbit at 12 to 18 inches
Crafty: Hopi Black Dye (makes lavender, blue and purple shades)
Reddest of the reds: Chianti Hybrid, Chocolate Cherry, Black Beauty
Pure geometry: Zebulon
Adorably shaggy: Teddy Bear, Honey Bear, Double Dandy
Seed sources: Burpee, Renee's Garden Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange, Johnny's, Swallowtail Garden Seeds, Park Seed
Rhonda Fleming Hayes