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

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) .
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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
Showing 151 - 160 of 175 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Sunflower

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.