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

22 Feb 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You work out your climate zone from the blue tab at the top of the page. Then go to the plant you want to grow - sun flowers.
06 Jan 23, brilliant mdunge (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
can I plant sunflower in Southern upper south coast Ixopo Richmond areas ?
13 Feb 23, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Find your climate zone then check the planting guide for that climate.
27 Aug 22, Dylinda Matiga (Australia - tropical climate)
I don't think sunflowers like the tropics, I think they need long days to reach full potential If you start them in March they are scrappy if it's too wet they are scrappy. In Sydney they grow huge every variety In the tropics they are scappy, a couple yellow varieties just reach 6ft I'm in Philippines autumn beauty in Sydney is brilliant but here it's scrappy. I'm experimenting year round with some 20 varieties. Helianthus tuberous would be ideal, I can't get it D Every sunflower l know will grow scrapyif planted in autumn, the flower is yuk But if you know of autumn varieties please inform me Cheers D
31 Aug 22, (Australia - tropical climate)
Plant after the wet season. Maybe it is your soil - have good draining soil. Try making a raised row or bed and plant in the top.
21 Aug 22, Jennifer Bozick (USA - Zone 6a climate)
When is a good date to start planting Sunflowers in Kansas 6a growing zone?
04 Sep 22, (USA - Zone 6a climate)
In the Planting Guide it says APRIL MAY.
13 Aug 22, Theresa C. Dougherty (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Can I plant sunflower seeds in mid August to get fall sunflowers .? I live in zone 7 b ,I grow them first in side and plant outside .
27 Jun 22, Ruby (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
What about growing media
29 Jun 22, marco (Australia - arid climate)
hi i live on the gold coast Queensland .i planted sunflower from seed around six weeks ago .flowers are popping out now .i live in sub tropical area . plant in a pot first ,let it grow strong then transplant . they are fun to have in the garden .
Showing 31 - 40 of 171 comments

Hello all, i am a high school teacher at urrbrae ag hs down in adelaide. We have a class project to grow sunflowers. I have been allocated a good size plot. I want to make sure i get the correct variety..i want to grow the sunflowers which reach up to 5-6 feet and i would like advice on growing them. we are selling them to raise money for kids cancer and we are making a short film to go with it.

- ian robertson

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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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