Synthetic seeds can use as tool for applied biotechnology methods for improve the quality and increase the production of sunflower. Shoot tips excised from in vitro proliferated shoots were encapsulated in calcium alginate beads. The best gel complexation was achieved using 3% sodium alginate and 100 mM CaCl₂.2H₂O. Maximum percentage response for conversion of encapsulated shoot tips into plantlets was 100% after 4 wk of culture on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium without plant growth regulators. The regrowth ability of encapsulated shoot tips was affected by the concentration of sodium alginate and the presence or absence of MS nutrients and plant growth regulator in calcium alginate beads. Plantlets with well-developed shoot and roots were transferred to pots containing an autoclaved mixture of cocopeate, perlite and peat moss (1:1:1). Encapsulation of vegetative propagules in calcium alginate beads can be used as an alternative to synthetic seeds derived from somatic embryos.