Growing Sunflower

helianthus annuus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                S S    
                  T T T
                  P P  

(Best months for growing Sunflower in Australia - temperate 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
01 Dec 16, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a beautiful artichoke plant that has produced about 10 artichokes in recent weeks. Its the 1st time Ive grown an artichoke plant. its coming to the end of its production now. Does it come up again next year? Do I chop it down? Do I leave it ?. Do I remove it from the ground? Would value your advice.
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05 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, if it is a Jerusalem artichoke it will come up again; indeed any small tubers left in the ground will come up! Save or leave some tubers in the ground for next season. If it is a Globe artichoke (like a big thistle plant), leave the leaves to help replenish the plant for next season. Trust this helps.
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28 Sep 16, Samantha (Australia - temperate climate)
I have sunflowers but im confuse what kind of variety it is. Its flower size like my head and the flower sorrounded by small sunflowers like a crown. Just imagine a big sunflower sorrounded by small sunflowers in the tip of petals
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02 Oct 16, Josie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have had the same when I harvested the seeds from the King sunflowers from the season before and planted them. They look mutant !
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04 Oct 16, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Maybe an F1 hybrid so they won't grow true in following generations?
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13 Apr 16, Susan Stewart (Australia - temperate climate)
Is the sunflower root edible? If so, is it similar to the helianthus variety known as Jerusalem Artichoke?
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09 Feb 16, linn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi there, i live in broome in north western australia, was wondering when is the best time to plant sunflowers
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10 Mar 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
I am trying to grow giant sunflowers from seed I purchased at a reputable seed dealer, I can get a 40% germination rate in seed pots but the seedlings are very leggy and tend to lay down at 7.5cm high. In the ground I did get three to sprout, quite upright about 10cm high but then nothing. No further growth for around around four weeks. What am I doing wrong? Good quality potting soil, slow release in soil and I also use fish emulsion about every 8 weeks. All my other plants in the garden and pots are thriving. Any ideas? Please
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20 Feb 20, Bazza (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Are you using manure from a farm ? Your description sounds like Clopyralid poisoning.
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31 May 14, sherlie eady (Australia - temperate climate)
Im planning a wedding in Perth end of September and would love to have a patch of sunflowers blooming then but when is the right time to plant the seeds and which variety is the most spectacular/easy to grow ?
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Showing 21 - 30 of 78 comments
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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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