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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
10 May 14, robert tshivhidzo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
i need to be one of sunflower growering i need your help
Reply or Post a new comment
10 May 14, dan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'm planning for wedding on october 11. I'd love to have a big patch of flowering sunflowers. It's in Lennox Head (near Byron) When would be a good time to plant?
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Aug 14, Pete (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Dan, I'm only going from the 10-12 weeks to harvest in the description, but if you want them for the end of September, you better get them in the ground ASAP! Unless you buy seedlings, in which case they could be anywhere from 2-4 weeks old.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Dec 13, Tony Sieh (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Dear Sir/Madam, I am exploring the possibility of grow South African species of sunflower in Malaysia. From what I have heard, South African sunflower is ideal for the South East Asia climate as well. Is there any expert who I can talk to about this? Where can I get the seedlings? Thank you so much for helping! Regards, Tony
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Jul 13, Peter Smith (Australia - temperate climate)
The cheapest place I've found to get sunflower seeds is in the birdseed section of the supermarket. The ones I bought came up well. There were two varieties; ones with a single large flower and ones with multiple smaller flowers. One bag gave enough seeds for me and to supply every gardener I know.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Jul 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes - those seeds grow really well!
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Jul 13, Rule the world (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Sunflowers, Grow for your chooks. They love them!
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Apr 13, carine ferreira (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
planted sunflowers in pots 10 april want flowers to be at their peak 23 june. Think we ll be ok?
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Jan 13, Pam (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I transplanted 150 Sunflower seedlings and now have lovely big strong plants and lots of flowers out. Hasnt affected mine any.
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Jan 13, koos (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
best seeds to eat
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 121 - 130 of 171 comments
See comments for all plants

Hello all, i am a high school teacher at urrbrae ag hs down in adelaide. We have a class project to grow sunflowers. I have been allocated a good size plot. I want to make sure i get the correct variety..i want to grow the sunflowers which reach up to 5-6 feet and i would like advice on growing them. we are selling them to raise money for kids cancer and we are making a short film to go with it.

- ian robertson

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.