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

30 May 13, Brett (Australia - temperate climate)
Ive got some international seeds, Mongolian giants, reaches heights of 24ft and flowers heads 18" wide! Can't wait to plant these after the winter frost period!
02 Nov 15, luke oktavian (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hey guys beginner here. I'm growing sunflowers in a pot. I planted 10 seeds. 2 in each spot. But after i read this post i think i planted too close. Is that going to be a problem I have spotted 1 seedling today but not sure whether should i move it to a smaller pot or not. So far only 1 seed grows into a seedling after 5days.
18 Jun 16, Heather Carey (Australia - temperate climate)
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) .
20 Jan 17, Ken Adams (Australia - temperate climate)
My English friend is not very good at gardening and has some sunflowers she is wondering if she can substitute some time each day in the oven instead of direct sunlight as her apartment is quite shaded? Any help would be greatly appreciated
24 Jan 17, Joy (Australia - temperate climate)
Advice please. We are hosting a wedding in October 2017 in Northern New South Wales. Close to QLD border, 8 Km from ocean. The bride would like plenty of sunflowers in the garden beds. When should I plant seeds & where is the best place to buy seeds from ?
06 May 17, Seonie Robst (Australia - temperate climate)
We grow 'Giant Russians' and grow cucumbers and beans up them. Protect them from the wind - grow them in blocks like corn or in rows against a shed or hedge - give them lots of water. But the white seeds are no good for stock feed so for chook feed we grow 'Van Goghs' and for decoration we grow 'Teddy Bears'.
12 Sep 17, madelene (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
HI, we are located in central Victoria and I want to sow a large strip of sunflowers in our paddock ready for the neighbours garden wedding on 17th Feb 2018. We are not out of the woods with Frost yet I don't think, but spring is definitely in the air. We haven't hit full spring yet but by 2 weeks I am assuming it will be. When should I plant the seeds? Should I wait another month or so? Havent prepared the ground yet at all.
09 Sep 09, Beth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
This is website give me lots of ideas to help me with planting sunflowers seeds So thanks a lot!
17 Sep 09, helen (Australia - temperate climate)
I've heard of people putting an old stocking (nylon type) over sunflower seed heads to deter birds etc from eating the seeds (while they dry on the plant). Not sure if it works. Worth a try I spose.
11 Dec 09, Taryn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
peoplez don't plant the sunflower withs no shell plant the black ones (NO white ones!!!)
Showing 21 - 30 of 160 comments

We planted sunflowers in late January last year and they still came up, our first crop has just finished and we are about to plant some more, one head will give you about 500 seeds so dont buy any more 3kg bags for the birds if you have planted in 10 plants, to stop the bird put a paper bag over the top of the head to collect the seed

- Celina

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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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