Indianapolis, IN, USA: World’s Tallest Sunflower: Indiana Gardener Alex Babich Breaks Guinness Record with 36-Foot Tribute to Ukraine
In the heart of Indiana, a backyard has become the site of a global sensation. Ukrainian-born gardener Alex Babich has successfully grown a sunflower that stretches nearly 36 feet (11 meters) high, now certified by Guinness World Records as the tallest sunflower ever recorded. Affectionately named “Clover,” the towering plant surpasses most telephone poles, standing as a symbol of Babich’s devotion to gardening and his enduring connection to his Ukrainian roots. This extraordinary milestone is more than just a gardening triumph—it represents resilience, heritage, and a tribute to his homeland, where the sunflower is a cherished national symbol.
From Ukraine to Indiana: Alex Babich’s Path to Record-Breaking Sunflower
Babich’s journey began in Ukraine, where he was born before immigrating to the United States at age 14, shortly after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Growing up amid hardship gave him a deep respect for nature and gardening. About seven years ago, he began cultivating sunflowers as a way to honor his homeland.
According to reports from AP News, Babich’s earlier sunflowers grew to impressive heights of 13 feet (4 meters), then 15 feet (4.5 meters), and later 19 feet (5.8 meters). His persistence led him to wonder just how tall these flowers could reach. With steady care, patience, and family support, Clover grew into a record-breaking giant.
“This plant is like one of my children,” Babich said, describing his daily care routines. His 10-year-old son even placed four-leaf clovers on the leaves for good luck—an act that gave the sunflower its name.
Guinness Confirms: Clover Becomes the Tallest Sunflower Ever
On September 3, 2025, Babich’s years of effort were officially recognized. In front of about 85 witnesses, including local officials and master gardeners, representatives from Guinness World Records conducted the measurement. Using a 40-foot cherry picker, along with cameras and drones for documentation, they confirmed Clover’s incredible height: 35 feet, 9 inches (11.22 meters).
This measurement shattered the previous world record set in Germany by more than five feet (1.5 meters). An emotional Babich called the moment the peak of his gardening journey: “For someone who grows giants, this is as good as it gets.”
Sunflowers: A Symbol of Peace, Strength, and Unity
To Babich, Clover is more than just a record-holder. The sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower, long regarded as a sign of peace, endurance, and hope. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the sunflower became a worldwide symbol of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
Babich explained that his mission goes beyond gardening: “We just hope this inspires the right people.” For him, Clover’s symbolism connects personal history with global awareness, reflecting both past struggles and present hopes. Sunflowers have historically marked important Ukrainian milestones, including nuclear disarmament in 1996 and post-Chernobyl environmental recovery.
A Lasting Legacy: Clover’s Story Lives On
Clover’s journey will be featured in an upcoming documentary titled “Bloom,” expected to premiere in the summer of 2025. Babich is also spreading his love for sunflowers by distributing seed packets at community events, campsites, and festivals, each carrying the message: “Spread the love – sunflower seeds.”
For Babich, this legacy is about more than one plant. “I’ll pass one day, but the story of this sunflower will keep going,” he reflected. His giant sunflowers stand as living reminders of resilience, family, and heritage—offering inspiration to gardeners and communities worldwide.
