Packets sell out as sunflower celebration nears

Tom from Petstock Torquay was selling sunflower seeds, which have now run out. Photo: SUPPLIED

THE 2025 Surf Coast Celebration of Sunflowers is on pace to match or succeed the turnout from this year’s event, with organisers reporting a high uptake of seedling acquisitions in recent months.

More than 3000 free sunflower seed packets were available at local businesses across the Surf Coast, but stocks have officially run out.

Given it typically takes 60 to 90 days for sunflower seeds to bloom, residents are eager to get growing with the official celebration event taking place on the Torquay Esplanade on January 25 next year.

“It’s more about the journey we all share in growing our sunflowers, and the celebration day is the icing on the cake,” co-organiser Sue Toskovski said.

“None of this would have been possible without the assistance given by the volunteers and those who’ve helped offer the free seed to the public. Without them, spreading the word would have been difficult.”

The annual celebration is preparing to enter its fourth year.

The celebration began in 2022 with the goal of spreading joy and happiness among the local community and beyond following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organisers will reintroduce a plethora of award categories such as tallest, shortest, cutest, most unfortunate, most heaviest head, not quite ready sunflower, best potted, best unpotted, best in a vase, and best dressed sunflowers.

Sunflower seed packets were offered at locations and businesses such as Torquay Library, Torquay Wholefoods, Mavis Mavis Cafe, Swell Cafe, Bowlz Cafe, Feed Me, Petstock Torquay, Torquay Community House, Lorne P-12 College, local homes and kindergartens.

“We can’t wait to welcome the community back to the foreshore in January,” a volunteer spokesperson said.

“The event earlier this year had a fantastic turnout, and we couldn’t be more pleased with how it went. The celebration was loads of fun.

“With the forecast of a wetter and warmer summer in the coming months, we’re hoping that the tropical weather will continue to improve our sunflower growing experience.”

For announcements and updates, join the Surf Coast Celebration of Sunflowers Facebook group.