Sunflower yield is strongly dependent on the cultivar cropped, especially under drought conditions. This study was conducted to determine the best sunflower hybrid to be recommended to farmers. Yield and culture traits response of 13 sunflower hybrids were investigated in Osimo, East Central Italy, for four years. Based on the four-year average, Barolo had the highest mean yield, 30.8 t/ ha, but it was not significantly higher than the other 9 cultivars. Among the best, only one was a high oleic variety (Proleic 204). Gloriasol had a signifi cantly high oil content (530 mg/1000 mg). Oil yield was mainly influenced by achene yield. Differences among the hybrids were large, indicating the need to assist farmers in their cultivar selection.