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 7a 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

06 Sep 23, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Any variety.
20 May 23, David (USA - Zone 4b climate)
Am in zone 4b. Is there a Sunflower I can plant that only gets 2 feet tall?
06 Jul 23, Brayden (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Botanical Interests has some good dwarf varieties like Sunspot Dwarf that grows 18-24" tall and is good for container planting
12 Apr 23, Chris Harcoan (Australia - temperate climate)
When is the best time to plant sunflowers in Mildura Victoria...
03 Apr 23, Helene Snyders (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I get seed of Sunflower Single Sunspot Helianthus annuus regards Helene Snyders
19 Apr 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Maybe online
05 Apr 23, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Try internet sites.
24 Mar 23, Wayne Thresher (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I lost most of my crop to the wet chill weather this past summer. I'll have to buy chook feed this year. Can anyone recommend the hardiest crop that can tough out changing climate. rainy, windy wet cold ... nevermind... I'm moving :) Same question for maize if you have knowledge
27 Mar 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The weather works against us sometimes.
21 Feb 23, Jordan (USA - Zone 5b climate)
Hi! We are looking to plant sunflowers from seeds in the North Shore of Chicago area, I believe we are zone 5b for zip code 60045. I have seen people reference "the guide" but am curious if someone could point me towards where I might find this magical panacea of information? Thank you! (Gardenate uses https://www.gardenate.com/zones/#zone-US)
Showing 21 - 30 of 171 comments

Sunflower seeds are very easy to grow. I have grown them for a few years for looks, but being a very experimental gardener, I plan this year on growing them to semi-support my tomato plants. I have a few varieties but have chosen the Giant Russian variety to take on this job. They not only look great in the vegie patch, they attract bees and produce lots of seeds (for eating). I'll just have to watch it that the birds will help themselves to the seeds (and the tomatoes).

- Jaci

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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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