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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10 Oct 23, Kathleen (USA - Zone 4a climate)
Not sure if Im in zone 4a or 4b (Ossipee, NH). When should I plant sunflower seeds?
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12 Sep 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 7a climate)
I live in Northern California mountains. Zone 7a. Can I allow mammoth sunflower seeds to drop in fall to winterize before spring?
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14 Sep 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Maybe you would pick them and store them.
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26 Aug 23, Linda (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
I would like to know what sunflower seeds can I plant in September in calgary zone 3
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06 Sep 23, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Any variety.
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20 May 23, David (USA - Zone 4b climate)
Am in zone 4b. Is there a Sunflower I can plant that only gets 2 feet tall?
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06 Jul 23, Brayden (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Botanical Interests has some good dwarf varieties like Sunspot Dwarf that grows 18-24" tall and is good for container planting
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12 Apr 23, Chris Harcoan (Australia - temperate climate)
When is the best time to plant sunflowers in Mildura Victoria...
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03 Apr 23, Helene Snyders (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I get seed of Sunflower Single Sunspot Helianthus annuus regards Helene Snyders
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19 Apr 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Maybe online
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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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