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

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).
Showing 181 - 181 of 181 comments

Hello, I m going to grow some nice sunflowers which are called sunfola (the one used for the oil which has edible seeds)... I know that is not the same but if your client is really ''on'' the sunflower idea, perhaps could he just send seeds? This is just the time to saw them (because we are just coming out the winter in here!) ... sorry :) I buy my seeds at EDEN SEEDS in Australia-. They is the mammoth (big one, over 300mm), the yellow empress, (with a large sized head)and the giant russian. GOod luck!! French living in Qld- Australia.

- florence

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