Ukrainian gardener cultivates record-breaking sunflower in Fort Wayne

A sunflower grown in Fort Wayne has earned the title of tallest in the Guinness Book of World Records.

"I was like, 'This is how fun? How far can we take this?'"

Alex Babich, the Ukrainian gardener who cultivated the record-breaking sunflower, said. The 35-foot tall flower is Ukraine's national bloom, and Babich has a personal connection to it.

Babich grew his first sunflower seven years ago, which stood at 13 feet tall. He had always dreamed of growing one even taller.

"I remember laughing, 'You think I can grow a 30-foot flower?' Best growers in the world tried this and nobody got there. The 30-foot, 1 inch mark has been famous, set by a German grower 11 years ago."

Babich's wife prayed that they would break the record, and her prayer was answered. Clover, the world's tallest sunflower, stands at 35 feet, 9 inches, and is still growing.

"In a way, we're representing Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA and Ukraine. I'm originally from Ukraine. So, there's so much at stake."

Their family sunflower has made national headlines, with everyone behind them 100%. Babich hopes this serves as a beacon of hope during the darkness in Ukraine, which has been at war with Russian forces since February 2022.

"This story with Clover the sunflower reaches all the right people and the right places, and let's end this war."

Babich is not done growing yet. He believes a 40-foot flower is within reach.

"This flower is a miracle, it truly is."

This week, Babich and his family are basking in the beauty of their achievement, which has brought people together.