Children's Seed Growing Category

This year, children will challenge each other to see who can grow the best Dwarf Sunflower from seed!

Age brackets for entries will be:

  • 3 to 7 years old
  • 8 to 12 years old

Seeds are kindly donated by Mr. Fothergill's Seeds.

Once you’ve entered, you can collect your free seed growing kit from our Customer Service Centre. Collection dates run from Monday 21 July to Friday 29 August 2025.

You can also pick up and plant your seeds at our Planting Party! This will take place Anderson Park on Friday 18 July, as part of the Active Kids School Holiday Program! Seeds, pots, planting mix, and decorating materials will be provided.

Seed growing tips 

  • Make sure to follow the seed growing instructions provided.
  • Plant your seeds from 18 July 2025 (not before).
  • Plant your seeds before 31 August 2025 to allow for maximum seed growing time.
  • Don’t forget to decorate your pot! The best decorated pot also receives an award.

Competition judges

Competition judging day will be at Lachlan’s Line Auditorium on Friday 24 October. Prizes will be awarded for Best Sunflower and Best Decorated Pot in each age group. You'll be invited to show your grown sunflower and decorated pot to the City of Ryde Mayor and councillors at the 2025 Spring Garden Gala Evening.

Entries will be judged by a panel of horticulturalists and garden judges. Judging criteria will be:

  • Overall condition of the plant/s
  • Free from pests and disease
  • Height of plant
  • Number of flowers
  • Diameter of flowers
  • Best decorated pot

Important information

  • You must register for the competition before collecting your seed growing kit.
  • Present a printout of your entry confirmation to collect your free seed growing kit. There is a limit of one seed growing kit per child.
  • You must use the supplied seeds and follow supplied growing instructions.
  • You cannot use any hydroponic, artificial growth hormones, hot houses, or artificial lights.
  • If a child enters multiple plants, they will only be considered for a single place/prize. That is, they can’t win more than one place or prize in their age bracket.

Key Dates

Friday 18 July 2025

Active Kids Planting Party

Monday 21 July to Friday 29 August 2025

Collect your seeds from our Customer Service Centre, 1 Pope Street, Ryde. Located within Top Ryde City Shopping Centre.

31 August 2025

Entries in the Children’s Seed Growing Competition should be made before this date to allow time to grow your seeds.

23 October - 24 October 2025

You can deliver your plants early to City of Ryde Operations Centre.

24 October 2025

Deliver your plants to Lachlan’s Line Auditorium before 5:30pm. Winners will be announced between 6:00-6:30pm.

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