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

11 Dec 09, Taryn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
will they survive autum and spring i know they won't survive winter and they will survive summer but what about autum and springe!
11 Dec 09, Taryn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
peoplez don't plant the sunflower withs no shell plant the black ones (NO white ones!!!)
17 Sep 09, helen (Australia - temperate climate)
I've heard of people putting an old stocking (nylon type) over sunflower seed heads to deter birds etc from eating the seeds (while they dry on the plant). Not sure if it works. Worth a try I spose.
09 Sep 09, Beth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
This is website give me lots of ideas to help me with planting sunflowers seeds So thanks a lot!
26 Aug 09, ian robertson (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
12 Sep 17, madelene (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
HI, we are located in central Victoria and I want to sow a large strip of sunflowers in our paddock ready for the neighbours garden wedding on 17th Feb 2018. We are not out of the woods with Frost yet I don't think, but spring is definitely in the air. We haven't hit full spring yet but by 2 weeks I am assuming it will be. When should I plant the seeds? Should I wait another month or so? Havent prepared the ground yet at all.
06 May 17, Seonie Robst (Australia - temperate climate)
We grow 'Giant Russians' and grow cucumbers and beans up them. Protect them from the wind - grow them in blocks like corn or in rows against a shed or hedge - give them lots of water. But the white seeds are no good for stock feed so for chook feed we grow 'Van Goghs' and for decoration we grow 'Teddy Bears'.
24 Jan 17, Joy (Australia - temperate climate)
Advice please. We are hosting a wedding in October 2017 in Northern New South Wales. Close to QLD border, 8 Km from ocean. The bride would like plenty of sunflowers in the garden beds. When should I plant seeds & where is the best place to buy seeds from ?
20 Jan 17, Ken Adams (Australia - temperate climate)
My English friend is not very good at gardening and has some sunflowers she is wondering if she can substitute some time each day in the oven instead of direct sunlight as her apartment is quite shaded? Any help would be greatly appreciated
18 Jun 16, Heather Carey (Australia - temperate climate)
Get them for about $3 kg from a pet food shop they are used for bird seed. Also get dung peas $2 kg for fertilising the soil and pea sprouts- the tender tops, baby peas and edible purple flowers. They are really a great edible picking crop at any time of year .. grow them thickly after soaking and cover with cloth - an old sheer curtain or newspaper until they are 10cm high to keep the birds from stealing them. My favourite multi functioning plant. You could package the seeds and advise on how to plant for flowers and salads - like how long it takes before you can harvest the shoots,flowers and peas ( they are more flowery than sweet peas). Also trombone Zuccinis are the most fantastic climbing zuccini that grows tiny or gigantic ( over a metre long) zuccs and marrows ( when they are larger) .
Showing 141 - 150 of 171 comments

Taryn, in sub-tropical areas they should last well into autumn. You can plant now (January) to ensure they will grow through autumn, and start planting again in early spring.

- Chris

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.