Growing Sunflower

helianthus annuus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing Sunflower in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

20 Feb 20, Bazza (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Are you using manure from a farm ? Your description sounds like Clopyralid poisoning.
04 Jun 14, Reynet (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Good day My daughter getting married in April 2014 \we need 150 sunflowers. when must i plant them. We stay in Pietermartizburg KZN
31 May 14, sherlie eady (Australia - temperate climate)
Im planning a wedding in Perth end of September and would love to have a patch of sunflowers blooming then but when is the right time to plant the seeds and which variety is the most spectacular/easy to grow ?
24 May 14, Anton Marais (Australia - arid climate)
Is the Margeret River area good for the arid type sunflower - I'm from - South Africa where we used to travel down to the coast thro sunflower fields up to 300 to 400 km long - I love them on the other side of the road was gaint corn called a mielies in sa
10 May 14, robert tshivhidzo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
i need to be one of sunflower growering i need your help
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?
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.
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
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.
22 Jul 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes - those seeds grow really well!
Showing 121 - 130 of 175 comments

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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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