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

17 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the notes here about when to plant, how long it takes from planting to harvest. Probably can grow in most places. Animals if hungry will probably eat them. How big the flower grows will depend on how well the plant grows to some extent.( And the variety) If first attempt at growing you probably have little chance at producing flowers on a certain date.
09 Sep 18, Lynda Lepelaars (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can sunflowers grow at the coast, I was going to grow some up against a fence. Also I have another section at a different location in which I have hundreds of seeds that I would like to plant out. Do you have to keep them away from livestock? Look forward to your help. Regards Lynda
28 Jul 18, Sheryl (New Zealand - temperate climate)
We would like to grow sunflowers for my daughters wedding in late February 2018, I am in Auckland. When would be the best time to plant them? I will buy the young plants from a garden centre I think. We are going to grow them on a friends large property out in Whitford. They may get some wind. Also they are rabbits on the land?? Many thanks
23 Jul 18, John (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi, I am interested in growing sunflowers in large quantities. I do own large open fields with the advantage of long hours of daily sunlight. I live in Lesotho, just outside of the capital town Maseru, completely surrounded by South Africa. It is currently winter but warming up very quickly with Spring coming in September, When is the best time to plant seeds?
23 Jun 18, Susie (USA - Zone 8b climate)
When is the last month I can successfully plant Mammoth Sunflower seeds in my zone 8b?
25 Jun 18, (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I asked that question in a FB garden group and they said to plant now
18 May 18, Carol Graf-Haslam (USA - Zone 10b climate)
When should I plant Mammoth grey stripe sunflower seeds? I live in Southwest Florida and the temperature can range from 32 for a few hours during the winter with highs in the mid to Upper sixties but starting in April the temperature goes into the 90 +range. Should I plant them in October or November 4 a January crop or plant them in March for a May crop? I don't want them to burn and I don't want them to freeze. Please help. Thank you and I am glad to see that the friends in South Africa are also in the same predicament as I am.
13 May 18, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
why sunflower is a popular crop option in marginal areas of South Africa
14 Apr 18, Therese Elizabeth Ries (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I have planted and grown with some success King Sunflowers . When they have finished flowering and the heads start to drop , should I cut off their heads to dry out the seeds for sowing for the next season ?
16 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)
Let the plant die back a bit before cutting the seed head off.
Showing 81 - 90 of 175 comments

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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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