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

30 Dec 23, paul (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Do Sunflowers and beans grow well together
04 Jan 24, Megotu farms (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Paul We grow sunflower with our yard-long beans in North Louisiana to redirect stink bugs .... they grow well together here as the soil does not need anything different ... Marigolds grow well to help with the horn worms ....
02 Jan 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can.
05 Dec 23, nancy aldape (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I love sunflowers
02 Jan 24, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Me too.
10 Oct 23, Kathleen (USA - Zone 4a climate)
Not sure if Im in zone 4a or 4b (Ossipee, NH). When should I plant sunflower seeds?
12 Sep 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 7a climate)
I live in Northern California mountains. Zone 7a. Can I allow mammoth sunflower seeds to drop in fall to winterize before spring?
14 Sep 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Maybe you would pick them and store them.
26 Aug 23, Linda (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
I would like to know what sunflower seeds can I plant in September in calgary zone 3
06 Sep 23, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Any variety.
Showing 1 - 10 of 160 comments

The longer you leave to transplant something the harder it is to have it survive. The roots can not take up enough water to keep a full grown plant a live. In zone 9b you should have harvested the sunflower by now. You transplant when plants are young 2-6 new leaf stage

- Anon

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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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