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

27 Aug 24, Ray Mills (Canada - zone 4a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Where do I buy sunflower seeds Want to grow 5 feet sunflowers across my back fence.
31 Jul 24, Catherine (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Cairns. Can sunflowers be grown here and if so, when is the best time to plant these?
06 Aug 24, (Australia - tropical climate)
Check the planting guide
30 Jun 24, Maureen McGrath (USA - Zone 8b climate)
What's the latest I can plant sunflowers in my zone?
28 May 24, Lisa (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I want to plant sunflowers for table arrangements for a fund raiser Oct 19. What variety would be best for a late planting and when should i plant them for the right timing?
24 May 24, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Is the end of May too late to start sunflowers in Zone 9b?
30 Dec 23, paul (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Do Sunflowers and beans grow well together
04 Jan 24, Megotu farms (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Paul We grow sunflower with our yard-long beans in North Louisiana to redirect stink bugs .... they grow well together here as the soil does not need anything different ... Marigolds grow well to help with the horn worms ....
02 Jan 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can.
05 Dec 23, nancy aldape (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I love sunflowers
Showing 1 - 10 of 166 comments

Is it too late to plant sunflower seeds in Ohio (zone 6) and expect results?

- Renee

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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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