Growing Sunflower

helianthus annuus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
        P P            

(Best months for growing Sunflower in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 18 inches apart
  • Harvest in 10-11 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Cucumbers, Melons, Sweetcorn, Squash
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

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24 Mar 23, Wayne Thresher (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I lost most of my crop to the wet chill weather this past summer. I'll have to buy chook feed this year. Can anyone recommend the hardiest crop that can tough out changing climate. rainy, windy wet cold ... nevermind... I'm moving :) Same question for maize if you have knowledge
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27 Mar 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The weather works against us sometimes.
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21 Feb 23, Jordan (USA - Zone 5b climate)
Hi! We are looking to plant sunflowers from seeds in the North Shore of Chicago area, I believe we are zone 5b for zip code 60045. I have seen people reference "the guide" but am curious if someone could point me towards where I might find this magical panacea of information? Thank you! (Gardenate uses https://www.gardenate.com/zones/#zone-US)
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22 Feb 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You work out your climate zone from the blue tab at the top of the page. Then go to the plant you want to grow - sun flowers.
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06 Jan 23, brilliant mdunge (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
can I plant sunflower in Southern upper south coast Ixopo Richmond areas ?
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13 Feb 23, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Find your climate zone then check the planting guide for that climate.
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27 Aug 22, Dylinda Matiga (Australia - tropical climate)
I don't think sunflowers like the tropics, I think they need long days to reach full potential If you start them in March they are scrappy if it's too wet they are scrappy. In Sydney they grow huge every variety In the tropics they are scappy, a couple yellow varieties just reach 6ft I'm in Philippines autumn beauty in Sydney is brilliant but here it's scrappy. I'm experimenting year round with some 20 varieties. Helianthus tuberous would be ideal, I can't get it D Every sunflower l know will grow scrapyif planted in autumn, the flower is yuk But if you know of autumn varieties please inform me Cheers D
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31 Aug 22, (Australia - tropical climate)
Plant after the wet season. Maybe it is your soil - have good draining soil. Try making a raised row or bed and plant in the top.
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21 Aug 22, Jennifer Bozick (USA - Zone 6a climate)
When is a good date to start planting Sunflowers in Kansas 6a growing zone?
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04 Sep 22, (USA - Zone 6a climate)
In the Planting Guide it says APRIL MAY.
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Showing 41 - 50 of 184 comments
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Can't answer for certain, but I suspect the birds will eat most. I'm doing similar myself, in containers on my balcony, in Regina. I managed to start a few indoors and transplant them successfully. I definitely lost a bunch, but I've got 5 that survived. 1 giant one, a few dwarf ones and a couple that the birds planted scattering their feed. They're mini, but seem to be the species their feed is made from. My giant one's top flower is just about to clear the bottom railing of the balcony above me! It's got 3 blooming flowers and 4 more buds for 7 on the one plant. The others all seem to only have 1 flower each. But even with no edible seeds yet, they're definitely attracting more birds. They hang out on them. I think the perches with vantages help, along with some cover. I'm a chaos gardener, so I just let their scattered seeds take over a few pots I had other plants in. Some survived and shared, but a couple are only bird grass, currently going to seed. There's young chickadees, sparrows and nut hatches that hang out on my balcony in the pots. So I'd say whatever sunflowers you want to grow will get eaten, the trick is to keep them from the squirrels. I've got 1 acrobatic red squirrel that figured out how to get onto the first floor balcony. I caught it staring at a sunflower and put out seeds for it instead. 'So far' we're at peace, but the cheeky thing will eat the nuts 20 inches from me on the railing while I'm on the balcony. Feel like a Disney princess or something, lol.

- Dave

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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