Terms and Conditions - Late Bloomers

The Daltons Sunflower Project Late Bloomer Awards runs from Thursday 11 December 2025 to Tuesday 10 February 2026.

The competition is nationwide and only two main awards will be given. These awards are only open to those who did not receive an award in the main 2025 Daltons Sunflowers in Kindergartens Project.

To enter, eligible kindergartens must register their organisation via the Daltons website here. 

Only eligible kindergartens may enter the contest. The Daltons Sunflower Project is only open to Kindergartens who are under the following eleven regional Kindergarten associations:

Auckland Kindergarten Association, Central Kids Kindergartens Association (Central North Island), Dunedin Kindergartens Incorporated, Kidsfirst Kindergartens Christchurch, Kindergarten Taranaki, Inspired Kindergartens (Tauranga), Marlborough Kindergarten Association, Nelson Tasman Kindergartens Association, Northland Kindergartens Association, Waikato Kindergarten Association, and Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens (Wellington).

Kindergartens submit their tallest sunflower plant or widest sunflower head anytime between the project start and finish dates. All participating kindergartens must gain parental approval for any images of their children sent to Daltons which may be used for media coverage, Facebook posts or use on the Daltons website. Download parental permission slips here.


FINAL MEASUREMENTS SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • All entrants must submit a final measurements and verification photos using the Daltons measuring tape provided in the starter pack by 6pm, Tuesday 10 February 2026.
  • The Tallest Sunflower – entrants must provide a photo showing the plant from the base to the flower. Measurements must be taken from the base of the stem (ground) to the top of the sunflower stem.
  • The Sunflower with the widest head – entrants must provide a photo along with measurements across the head width (not including petals).
  • All measurements must be taken using the Daltons measuring tape provided. The Daltons measuring tape provides approximate measurements to the nearest cm and is not an official calibrated measuring device.
  • Kindergartens must provide suitable images for local media in their final submission. Preferably of the children with the sunflowers. Local media may use them in stories about Late Bloomers competition. Parental approval is essential.


PRIZES
There will be two awards given out overall:
Late Bloomers Tallest Sunflower

  • $100 Daltons Gardening Product Prize Pack
  • Framed photo of the winning sunflower

 
Late Bloomers Widest Sunflower Face

  • $100 Daltons Gardening Product Prize Pack
  • Framed photo of the winning sunflower

 

Judges will collate results on Wednesday 11 February 2026 and notify and announce winners via phone. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into. Prizes will be delivered by Daltons week beginning Monday 28 February 2022 (or sooner). This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Information being provided is confidential to Daltons Ltd Kindergarten Sunflower Project and not to Facebook. Facebook is in no way liable for anything in relation to this promotion.

More like this

Daltons Competition Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions for Daltons competitions and promotions.
Daltons Sunflowers Project Competition Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions for Daltons Sunflowers Project 2025.
Book Giveaway - Vege Patch From Scratch
We have one copy of NZ Gardener editor Jo McCarroll's new book: Vege Patch From Scratch to give away!
Sunflowers in Kindergartens FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about the Daltons Sunflower in Kindergartens project.
Your Gardening Questions
Enter your question to be in to win!
Sunflowers in Kindergartens Registration 2025
Sunflowers Registration 2025
Can Rose Black Spot Spread Through the Soil?
I recently moved one of my roses that wasn’t doing well to a better position in my garden. I noticed black spots on the leaves and am worried that I’m now spreading black spot around my garden. Is there any way to make sure it doesn’t get into the soil for future planting?
Glasshouse Growing
I’ve been given a glasshouse and wonder what grows well in the glasshouse and what doesn’t. My tomatoes are doing great but the lettuces and spinach are not. Also wondering about a mushroom farm; are they good in a glasshouse?
Garlic in Pots
I am new to gardening and have started my garden in pots around my flat! In terms of garlic, when should this be ready to harvest? I planted it on 21 June.
2025 Late Bloomers Awards Final Submissions
We are running our Late Bloomers Awards in recognition of those kindergartens in regions which may have struggled due to their location, the weather or other issues.
2025 Sunflowers in Kindergartens Final Submissions
Submit final photos and measurements by project end date Monday 11 December 2023.
How to Grow NZ Natives Guide
New Zealand native plants thrive in all climates and come in all shapes and sizes with varieties like flax, kōwhai, kānuka, and kākābeak - adding beauty to any garden. Learn how to choose, plant, and care for natives in our native plant growing guide.