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

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02 Nov 15, luke oktavian (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hey guys beginner here. I'm growing sunflowers in a pot. I planted 10 seeds. 2 in each spot. But after i read this post i think i planted too close. Is that going to be a problem I have spotted 1 seedling today but not sure whether should i move it to a smaller pot or not. So far only 1 seed grows into a seedling after 5days.
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30 May 13, Brett (Australia - temperate climate)
Ive got some international seeds, Mongolian giants, reaches heights of 24ft and flowers heads 18" wide! Can't wait to plant these after the winter frost period!
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25 Feb 13, Oliver (Australia - temperate climate)
Get rid of the pot. If you want your plant to be 6 ft, a pot will not be able to support it. Use a Large recycling bucket . Not a bin, a bucket. As it nears your target height, plant a stake and tie the flower gently to it. Support the stake by stringing it to a bucket with the string only going tight when the stake falls. String from four side of the stake.
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05 Feb 13, hannah (Australia - temperate climate)
hey well i searched up sunflowers and how to grow them apparently it said that you have to have good seeding soil and sow 1.5 inches - 2.5 inches. so i hope this helped and good luck on the fundraiser
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30 Jan 13, Roberto Giorgio (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grown Sunflowers this Summer Season that stand 2.14m (7 Feet) tall. Do you want me to send you some of the seeds from the tallest one so you can plant them this comming October 2013.. I had no trouble growing them. I will be harvesting the seeds soon. Regards, Roberto Giorgio Urban Farmer Holden Hill SA 5088
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05 Nov 14, Sheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Robert Could you tell me what variety of Sunflower you planted. I am looking to plant sunflowers to harvest the seeds for my chickens & of course their delightful presence in the garden Cheers Sheryl
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02 Mar 13, Charmaine (Australia - temperate climate)
Roberto may I have some seeds too? Plz email me [email protected]
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03 May 12, Robert Goyette (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I grow potted sun flower seedlings in a glass cage,with a glass top to protect from rain and wind I eventually take the glass top off and just have the glass sides, That way the wind does not blow the plant over. Robert
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28 Feb 12, Aleise (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi my science teacher has entered the class in a sunflower comp do you have any tips for me to make it grow big! Thankyou
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12 Sep 11, justine (Australia - temperate climate)
Why cant you plant sunflower with potato
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Showing 151 - 160 of 171 comments
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I transplanted 4 sunflowers from seedling pots and they grew very well. They were about 10cm tall when I did this.

- Tony

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