Growing Sunflower

helianthus annuus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing Sunflower in Australia - tropical 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
10 May 14, robert tshivhidzo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
i need to be one of sunflower growering i need your help
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24 May 14, Anton Marais (Australia - arid climate)
Is the Margeret River area good for the arid type sunflower - I'm from - South Africa where we used to travel down to the coast thro sunflower fields up to 300 to 400 km long - I love them on the other side of the road was gaint corn called a mielies in sa
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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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04 Jun 14, Reynet (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Good day My daughter getting married in April 2014 \we need 150 sunflowers. when must i plant them. We stay in Pietermartizburg KZN
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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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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 Feb 16, Beverley Hall (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What month is best to plant sunflower seeds?
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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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20 Sep 16, Jaxon K (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
How do i protect the sunflower heads from birds
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Showing 51 - 60 of 160 comments
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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

- Gary Barr

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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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