Sunflower Surprise at Gardens by the Bay: Guide, Facts & Sunflower Care

The Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay is currently full of sunshine. Sunflower Surprise: Garden by the Ocean is its first Portuguese-themed floral display, with more than 5,000 sunflowers across 20 varieties, including supersized ones that grow up to 1.8 metres tall.

If it has you craving a little sunflower yellow at home, here's what to know before you visit, a few things about sunflowers worth knowing, and how to bring some home.

Visiting Sunflower Surprise: the quick facts

• What: Sunflower Surprise: Garden by the Ocean
• Where: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive
• When: 9 October to 9 November 2026, 9am to 9pm daily (last admission to Flower Dome is 8.30pm)
• Admission: a Flower Dome ticket applies, so check Gardens by the Bay's website for current prices
• Good to know: the final day, 9 November, is also the Deepavali public holiday

The display takes visitors through a Portugal-inspired route, from the streets of Lisbon's Alfama to the striped houses of Costa Nova and a replica of the Farol de Belém lighthouse, all set among fields of sunflowers. It also marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Portugal.

Five things to know about sunflowers

1. A sunflower is actually made up of many tiny flowers
What looks like one large bloom is actually made up of hundreds of tiny individual flowers called florets. Look closely at the centre and you’ll see the intricate pattern they create together.

2. Young sunflowers follow the sun
While they’re still growing, young sunflower buds naturally turn to follow the sun as it moves across the sky — a behaviour known as heliotropism. Once cut, they no longer follow the light, but they’ll still bring that same sunny energy to a room.

3. They’re a symbol of happiness
Sunflowers are often associated with joy, positivity and loyalty. Their bright, uplifting appearance makes them a lovely choice for celebrations, milestones, or simply as a thoughtful gesture to brighten someone’s day.

4. They come in more colours than you might think
Yellow may be the classic, but sunflowers can also be found in shades of soft cream, warm orange, deep rust and rich burgundy. With so many varieties, there’s a sunflower to complement almost any space or colour palette.

5. They’re pet-friendly
Good news for homes with furry friends: sunflowers are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs, making them a beautiful pet-friendly choice for displaying at home.

How to care for cut sunflowers

• Check the water daily. Sunflowers can drink plenty of water, so top up the vase as needed and don’t let the stems run dry.
• Re-cut the stems every couple of days. Trim them at an angle to help the flowers continue taking up water.
• Remove leaves below the waterline. Submerged leaves can break down quickly and encourage bacteria in the water.
• Keep them somewhere cool. Avoid direct sunlight, heat and strong air-conditioning. A cool spot with a steady temperature is best.
• Choose a sturdy vase. Sunflower heads can get heavy, so a tall, stable vase will give the stems enough support and help prevent toppling.

Sunflower bouquets as gifts

Sunflowers suit a lot of occasions: a graduation, a new job, a milestone, a get-well wish, or simply cheering someone up. They're also considered safe for cats and dogs, which makes them an easy pick for a host or a friend with pets at home.

If you're not sure what to add, a message card makes it personal. Every arrangement comes with a complimentary message card, so just key in your note at checkout.

Our sunflower picks

• The Next Chapter, Bouquet: a bright sunflower bouquet for new beginnings.
• Golden Field, Statement Bouquet: a bigger bouquet, full of sunshine.
• Bold & Beautiful, Bouquet Vase: sunflowers with other bright blooms in a vase.

Golden Field, Statement Bouquet

Bring a little of Sunflower Surprise home

Visiting the Flower Dome? Order your sunflowers ahead and collect them from our studio inside Maison Garden at Dempsey Hill, so you can bring a little sunshine home with you after your day out.

Prefer to have them sent? We also deliver across Singapore, with same-day delivery available on selected designs when you order before 2pm.

Sunflower questions, answered

• When is Sunflower Surprise at Gardens by the Bay? Sunflower Surprise runs from 9 October to 9 November 2026 at the Flower Dome, which is open from 9am to 9pm daily.
• Are sunflowers safe for pets? Sunflowers are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them a pet-friendly choice for the home. As with any plant material, however, it’s best to discourage pets from eating them.
• How long do sunflowers last in a vase? Cut sunflowers can generally last around a week with proper care. Keep their water topped up, re-cut the stems every couple of days and place them away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Where can I buy a sunflower bouquet in Singapore? You can order sunflower bouquets online from The Florté, with same-day delivery available on selected designs, or arrange to collect your flowers from our studio inside Maison Garden at Dempsey Hill.

Looking for a sunflower bouquet? Browse our collection at theflorte.com, or WhatsApp us at +65 9828 3370 and we'll help you choose.