Indiana Family’s Sunflower Sets Guinness World Record
Confessions of a House Plant Addict
Hello. My name is Ashley, and I am addicted to houseplants.
During COVID, I really got into house and tomato plants. Working exclusively at home, I finally had the time to nurture them. I started with just a couple of houseplants, but I have since turned my stepson’s old bedroom into a winter oasis for the plants that live outside in the summer. My other houseplants have a cozy setup downstairs with their own grow light and humidifier. Twice a year, I give my plants haircuts and send the babies out into the world to propagate and bring joy to the masses.
That same year, I grew a massive Beefsteak tomato plant in a pot that produced giant tomatoes well into October. I have tried again in the years since, but I have never been able to replicate that tomato. Life got busier, and I did not tend to it quite like I did that year.
Meet Indiana’s World Record-Holding Gardening Family
One Indiana family with an incredibly green thumb is the Babich family of Fort Wayne, Indiana. I first connected with Alex Babich after he built a giant ice skating rink in his backyard for his kids, which I will be writing about as well, because it's awesome. While scrolling through his photos, I noticed something else that stopped me in my tracks. He had been awarded a certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records for the tallest sunflower plant.
The Tallest Sunflower in the World
Originally set by a German farmer in 2014, the previous world record sunflower measured 30 feet, 1 inch. The Babich sunflower, affectionately named Clover, reached an incredible 35 feet, 9 inches. That's bigger than a three-story building.
Alex, who immigrated from Ukraine in 1991, has been growing organic vegetables and sunflowers for years. Sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine, making this achievement even more meaningful.
How the Record Was Broken
Using a custom-built support structure and a cherry picker donated by the City of Fort Wayne, the Babich family cared for Clover all summer. In August, when the final official measurement was taken, they realized they had broken the world record. Still, they had to wait until September for official confirmation.
The sunflower was named tallest in the world in September but on January 2, Alex posted that the certificate had finally arrived. Clover is now officially the tallest sunflower ever grown, and it marks the first time an American grower has held this record.
What’s Next for the Babich Family?
The Babich family has been featured on ABC News, USA Today, CBS, Good Morning America, Fox News, CNN, WANE-15, News Channel 21, and several other media outlets. But they are ready for a break!
Alex shared on Facebook that while they will plant some of Clover’s seeds this summer, the family plans to travel more and will not actively try to break their own record. He will also be appearing at the Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show in late February and early March, where he will give gardening seminars.
Honestly, who better to learn from than a world-renowned gardener with a record-breaking sunflower? You can also purchase some of Clover's seeds to try your own hand at a world-record-breaking sunflower in their Etsy shop (while supplies last.)
Love Plants? Read This
1. Plant Swap at Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
A local plant swap where plant lovers can trade houseplants and propagation cuttings with others in the community. Sick of Your Spider Plant? Trade It in at an Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Plant Swap Station
2. Southern Indiana Public Libraries Hosting Plant Swaps
A plant swap program connecting the community through shared plants and helping beginners build a collection. Southern Indiana Public Libraries are ‘Going Green’ and Hosting Plant Swaps
3. Seed Starting Guide for Indiana & Kentucky
A detailed guide on when to start seedlings indoors for gardens in Indiana and Kentucky. When to Start Seedlings in Indiana & Kentucky Indoors
4. Chandler Community Garden in Indiana
A community garden project in Chandler offering free organic produce and a local gathering space. Chandler Community Garden Offers Free Organic Produce
5. Plant and Floral Shop in Downtown Evansville
Coverage of a local floral and plant shop offering plant classes, propagation stations, and a floral bar experience. Floral Shop in Downtown Evansville Offers Classes, Plant Rehab, and a Flower Bar
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Gallery Credit: Dave Spencer