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 10°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 45 cm 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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27 Dec 18, Scott (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
May depend a bit on the variety of sunflower. Giant Sunflowers grow to a height of 6 feet so they will shade out dwarf beans. Large sunflowers are also gross feeders so will suck up all the nutrients from the soil so ideally need their own space. Hope this helps. Happy Gardening
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02 Oct 17, Jan Brand (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What fertiliser is best for growing sunflowers? Do they also need more potasium? Please help!
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24 Sep 17, Jaylin Driver (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How long do sunflowers take to germinate?
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17 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look up the internet.
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24 Sep 17, Philip Rathbone (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi. Im getting Married in December and my Fiance wants bunches of Sunflowers for the day. I live in Germiston. Where can I buy Sunflowers
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13 Sep 17, Gary Barr (USA - Zone 12b climate)
I live in an area with typically 150 - 200 inches of rain (although not this year) and a temperature range of 55 - 85 - but mostly 60-75 degrees. Soil tends to be on the acidic side (volcanic soils) I'm interested in knowing if there are varieties of sunflowers that will grow in these conditions and also are good for honey production. Thanks
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31 Jul 17, Jen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi am I interested in growing sunflowers. I live in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is currently winter but warming up very quickly with Spring coming in September, When is the best time to plant seeds>
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05 Jun 17, Rejoice (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi,my I stay in Limpopo province and would like to know what is the best months to cultivate sunflower. I'm passionate about planting sunflower please help
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09 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Plant sunflower seeds after all frosts are over, if you get them. Sunflowers are fairly tough but will respond to well worked soil with manure or compost added. They will also do better if they get water. Mulch will help save water.
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20 Apr 17, Debbie (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Want to grow sunflowers. I am in Malmesbury in the western cape. When is the best time to grow them. I have awefull clay soil so that i need to sort 1st.
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hi there, i live in broome in north western australia, was wondering when is the best time to plant sunflowers

- linn

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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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