Sunflowers set to bloom in kindergartens across the nation
This year, 11,504 children from 238 kindergartens and learning centres across 11 regional Kindergarten Associations are taking part in the 2025 Daltons Sunflowers in Kindergartens Project. Photo: Supplied.
Thousands of sunflower seeds are ready to be sown and inspire a passion for gardening in young Kiwi kids through the Daltons 2025 Sunflowers in Kindergartens Project, which officially kicked off on Wednesday.
Now in its ninth season, the project provides participating kindergartens with everything they need to grow their own giant sunflowers. Along the way, children explore plant lifecycles, practise measuring and recording growth, and enjoy watching their plants flourish – from tiny seed to towering bloom.
This year, 11,504 children from 238 kindergartens and learning centres are taking part across 11 regional Kindergarten Associations. In Marlborough, there are 284 children involved through 6 kindergartens. Each kindergarten will join in the fun and a bit of friendly competition to see who can grow the tallest and widest sunflowers in their region.
“Gardening is more than just growing plants, it’s about fostering a love of nature, learning patience, responsibility, collaboration and other important life skills,” says Daltons General Manager, Colin Parker. “The project is a fun, hands-on way for children to learn these values while growing something beautiful to enjoy together.”
“Kindy kids will be able to take their gardening skills home and inspire their families to grow their own produce. In today’s economy, it’s a good idea to grow some high-yielding crops at home to help ease the weekly food bill,” Parker adds.
Throughout the project teachers receive support via regular newsletters filled with gardening tips, resources, and fun sunflower activities that can easily align with Te Whāriki, Aotearoa New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum. Daltons brings the project to life with the help of three proud partners. Each winner’s prize pack includes a store voucher from The Warehouse and a handy GARDENA Comfort Hand Trowel, alongside a range of Daltons products. The project runs through to Wednesday 10 December 2025, when the blooms will be celebrated, winners announced and prizes awarded.
For more information on this or to follow along the sunflower journey, visit www.daltons.co.nz or visit the Sunflower Project Facebook page.