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

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28 Feb 23, Élodie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Ive always eaten them straight out of the flower as a kid! They are fleshy and juicy. If you like them dry or toasted then probably need to do something!
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04 Mar 09, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello fellow sunflower lovers I have grown a dozen this summer .... but the birds always get to them before the seeds can ripen. Are there any tricks to ripening 'off-stalk' so to speak? I don't want to net them - it seems silly. Thanks Nash
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17 Sep 08, gareth (Australia - temperate climate)
sunflower seeds are great for a snack and are extremly good for you perhaps grow 3-4 plants they also look attractive
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15 Sep 08, tripperx (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I get a 2 kg packet of sunflower seeds from the pet food shop and plant them in neglected parts of the garden. I find them easy to grow and people always comment on them.
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07 Sep 08, Jaci (Australia - temperate climate)
Sunflower seeds are very easy to grow. I have grown them for a few years for looks, but being a very experimental gardener, I plan this year on growing them to semi-support my tomato plants. I have a few varieties but have chosen the Giant Russian variety to take on this job. They not only look great in the vegie patch, they attract bees and produce lots of seeds (for eating). I'll just have to watch it that the birds will help themselves to the seeds (and the tomatoes).
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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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