Indiana Man Grows World's Tallest Sunflower, a 35-Foot Tribute to Ukraine

Fort Wayne Man Grows World's Tallest Sunflower: A Tribute to Ukraine

Alex Babich, a Ukrainian immigrant living in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has achieved a new Guinness World Record for the tallest sunflower. Measuring 35 feet and 9 inches (10.9 meters), the sunflower, nicknamed "Clover," surpasses the previous record held by a sunflower grown in Germany. This remarkable feat is particularly meaningful to Babich, as sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine and a symbol of peace and solidarity.

A Sunflower's Journey from Ukraine to Indiana

Born and raised in Ukraine, Babich immigrated to the U.S. in 1991 following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. He began growing sunflowers seven years ago as a tribute to his homeland. Over the years, his sunflowers grew taller and taller, leading him to wonder how far he could push the limits. His previous attempts yielded flowers of 13, 15, and 25 feet. Babich describes the record-breaking flower as the result of "trial and error over years" and calls it "one of my kids," emphasizing the daily care and attention it required.

The Making of a Record-Breaker

Clover's seed originated in New Jersey and is a cross between a multi-head and a single-head. The Babich family played an integral role in the sunflower's success. His 10-year-old son, Keenai, would place four-leaf clovers on the sunflower’s leaves for good luck, giving the flower its name. His wife also offered prayers for the sunflower’s growth. On measuring day, a large crowd gathered, including representatives from Guinness World Records, master gardeners, and local officials, highlighting the community's excitement and support.

A Symbol of Hope and Solidarity

The sunflower has long been a symbol of peace in Ukraine and, since Russia's 2022 invasion, has become a global symbol of solidarity. Babich hopes that his record-breaking sunflower will inspire hope during these challenging times. He emphasizes the importance of peace and an end to the conflict. He has started planting sunflowers around campsites and distributing seed packets to children, encouraging them to "Spread the love – sunflower seeds." He sees it as a way to give back to the Fort Wayne community, which embraced his family when they immigrated from Ukraine.

Previous Records and Future Plans

The previous Guinness World Record for the tallest sunflower was held by Hans-Peter Schiffer of Germany, with a sunflower measuring 30 feet and 1 inch. Clover broke this record by nearly five feet. A documentary titled "Bloom" is planned for release this summer, chronicling Babich’s journey. His Facebook page showcases his gardening endeavors and allows followers to keep up with his activities.