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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02 Mar 17, Bella (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Yesterday I scraped out a handful of sunflower seeds from a plant in a friends garden. I have them in a brown paper bag. Can I plant them today or do I need dry them out before I plant them. Thanks
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03 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
You would probably be better to buy a packet of seed or get a small handful from a produce store (they would likely give it to you). The seed you have may not be sufficiently dry and is likelt to rot. It is getting late to plant sunflowers unless you are in the warmer north of the country. Save your seed for next season or swap it for something else. Trust this helps.
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Showing 11 - 12 of 12 comments
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Get them for about $3 kg from a pet food shop they are used for bird seed. Also get dung peas $2 kg for fertilising the soil and pea sprouts- the tender tops, baby peas and edible purple flowers. They are really a great edible picking crop at any time of year .. grow them thickly after soaking and cover with cloth - an old sheer curtain or newspaper until they are 10cm high to keep the birds from stealing them. My favourite multi functioning plant. You could package the seeds and advise on how to plant for flowers and salads - like how long it takes before you can harvest the shoots,flowers and peas ( they are more flowery than sweet peas). Also trombone Zuccinis are the most fantastic climbing zuccini that grows tiny or gigantic ( over a metre long) zuccs and marrows ( when they are larger) .

- Heather Carey

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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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