The distribution and composition of pectins in the head and stem parts of Peredovik sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) from a large field planting and four cultivars from a row-plot experiment were investigated. The total pectin contents of the head, bracts, neck and stalk of the field-grown Peredovik were 19, 11, 7 and 5%, respectively, but stalks accounted for 45% of the total plant pectin. The four cultivars varied from 15 to 24% of pectin in the heads and 4 to 7% of pectin in the stalks, depending on the maturity stage at harvest, cultivar and weight of plant parts. Water-soluble pectins constituted about one-quarter of the total head pectins. The remainder of the head pectins and all of the stalk pectins were extracted with a dilute solution of ammonium oxalate and oxalic acid, indicating that these pectins were bound by divalent metallic ions. The galacturonic acid levels of the pectin fractions were very high and the color properties of the dry pectin and precipitated gels appeared satisfactory. Although the methoxyl contents of sunflower pectin tended to be lower than values reported for commercial sources of plant pectin, there was considerable variation among the pectin fractions, cultivars, stages of maturity, and plant parts. Because of the variability in pectin and methoxyl content, further studies on cultivars, stages of maturity, and functional properties are necessary to determine the full potential of sunflowers as a new commercial source of pectin.