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

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05 Jan 21, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Not too many plants like wet soggy soil. Read the notes here.
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20 Sep 20, Anita (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When is the best time to plant giant sunflowers in the Southern Highlands, NSW?
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27 Sep 20, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Go to cool/mountain climate zone and check the planting guide at the top of the page.
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25 Aug 20, Josie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi! Wondering if it’s too earlie to plant giant Russians , I’m just north of Byron bay in the mountains, nights are still getting below 10 degrees and the soil in my garden is red clay type soil mixed with soil improvers, too cold still?
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26 Aug 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm sub-tropical and I have seeds germinating now (night temps av around 9-10 (7-14) and day temps around 23-24 (21-28)). Hold off for another week or two and then give it a go. We may have another cold period before winter is finished.
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05 Jul 20, Ann Carson (USA - Zone 8b climate)
What kind of soil best for sunflowers? I planted afew times that begin growing then rodents eat top of sunflowers. Same as radishes too.How do i solve the problems?
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01 Jul 20, Emma (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I was hoping for some planting advice, how many seeds in each amount of soil?! Is it a good time to plant the seeds now in winter nice and deep to get the best results come spring time? Thanks Perth WA
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06 Jul 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plant seeds 50-60cm apart and rows 60-80cm apart. You can plant two seeds and then reduce to one after germination. If good seeds just one is required each 60-60cm. Don't plant until spring as you need a lot warmer soil than what it is now. Do not plant seeds deeper than what is suggested.
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12 Jun 20, Vicki Holley (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Looking for a monthly calendar to plant by for zone 9a. Was hoping to plant something in June? (Try here https://www.gardenate.com/?zone=115) Gardenate
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16 May 20, Thelma Jenkins (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Our area has a lot of wind, up to 95 in summer. Get some snow in winter. Would like to plant them along our fenceline around our 1acre. Zone7b.AZ. Any advice will be appreciated.
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Showing 61 - 70 of 171 comments
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Taryn, in sub-tropical areas they should last well into autumn. You can plant now (January) to ensure they will grow through autumn, and start planting again in early spring.

- Chris

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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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