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
  • Sunflowers
  • Young plants

Sunflowers need full sun and grow best in fertile, well-drained, moist soil with plenty of mulch. Sunflowers do not like to be transplanted so are best grown direct from seed. The giant or Russian varieties are preferred for seed production.

Grow to 1 - 2 metres (4 - 6 ft) so need staking or protection from the wind. Protect seed heads from birds when ripening with nets or paper bags. Chickens love a sunflower head hung for them to peck!

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sunflower

Use seeds fresh or toasted or press for oil.

Your comments and tips

13 Sep 17, Gary Barr (USA - Zone 12b climate)
I live in an area with typically 150 - 200 inches of rain (although not this year) and a temperature range of 55 - 85 - but mostly 60-75 degrees. Soil tends to be on the acidic side (volcanic soils) I'm interested in knowing if there are varieties of sunflowers that will grow in these conditions and also are good for honey production. Thanks
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.
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
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.
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
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?
30 Mar 21, (USA - Zone 6b climate)
I live in Cleveland ohio. Wanted to know if I can grow sun flowers here
31 Mar 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 7a climate)
You can work out your climate zone from the blue tab then go to sunflower page.
03 Apr 21, aurora (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Yes! I've visited Cleveland countless times and I've been to a sunflower field there :)
Showing 1 - 10 of 38 comments

Go by the guide here.

- Anonymous

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.