This study was based on tuber samples from the field experiment in 1996-1998 on weak loamy sand soil in a system of randomised sub-blocks. The experimental factors were: ways of nursery and varieties (Swojecka, Kulista Czerwona IHAR, Kulista Biała JHAR). Herbicide application elevated both cadmium and nickel contents in Helianthus tubers as compared to control. Tubers of Swojecka Czerwona cv. were characterised by the lowest accumulation of cadmium and nickel, those of Kulista Czerwona lHAR cv. by the highest content of nickel, and those of Kulista Biała JHAR by the highest level of cadmium.