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
  • Sunflowers
  • Young plants

Sunflowers need full sun and grow best in fertile, well-drained, moist soil with plenty of mulch. Sunflowers do not like to be transplanted so are best grown direct from seed. The giant or Russian varieties are preferred for seed production.

Grow to 1 - 2 metres (4 - 6 ft) so need staking or protection from the wind. Protect seed heads from birds when ripening with nets or paper bags. Chickens love a sunflower head hung for them to peck!

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sunflower

Use seeds fresh or toasted or press for oil.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
29 Jan 25, Judy McCollom (USA - Zone 9b climate)
The first time I planted SF seeds it was more like a tall bush with multiple branches, not a single stem. Now I can't remember the variety. Can you please recommend the best multiple branch variety, not a single stem. Thank you.
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06 Feb 25, Celeste Archer (Australia - temperate climate)
--- correction -- the video is at this location https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8qEhh39scA
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03 Feb 25, Celeste Archer (Australia - temperate climate)
A good video on this topic -- branching verses single stem sunflowers can be found here -- https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/sunflowers/library-flowers-choose-sunflowers.html THIS PRO SAYS not to pinch single stem because you will not get a bloom --- I imagine the sunflower that I mentioned below was not a single stem (perhaps a not so bushy bush sunflower) -- anyhow I recommended checking out the video.
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03 Feb 25, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
There are two types of sunflowers: Single Stem and Branching. From the net Lemon Queen is a wonderful, medium tall sunflower with brilliant light lemon yellow flowers that are typically 10-13cm (5-6") wide. with chocolate brown centers. This sunflower develops numerous branches, and each bears multiple flowers. .... other branching sunflower types are: Buttercream, Strawberry Blonde, Florenza Teddy Bear, Firecracker... and there are more. Additionally, I recall when I had some single stem sunflowers, planted together, I snipped the top of some of the outer sunflowers when they were about 7" tall, so they would be shorter then the others and produce SEVERAL flowers (not nearly as many as the branching varieties) - this provided a little fullness/fill and more blooms.
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31 Dec 24, danielle (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Last season my sunflowers got killed by little green bugs. How do I prevent that from happening again?
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30 Jun 24, Maureen McGrath (USA - Zone 8b climate)
What's the latest I can plant sunflowers in my zone?
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28 May 24, Lisa (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I want to plant sunflowers for table arrangements for a fund raiser Oct 19. What variety would be best for a late planting and when should i plant them for the right timing?
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24 May 24, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Is the end of May too late to start sunflowers in Zone 9b?
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05 Dec 23, nancy aldape (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I love sunflowers
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02 Jan 24, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Me too.
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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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