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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
26 Aug 23, Linda (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
I would like to know what sunflower seeds can I plant in September in calgary zone 3
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06 Sep 23, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Any variety.
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27 Jun 22, Ruby (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
What about growing media
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29 Jun 22, marco (Australia - arid climate)
hi i live on the gold coast Queensland .i planted sunflower from seed around six weeks ago .flowers are popping out now .i live in sub tropical area . plant in a pot first ,let it grow strong then transplant . they are fun to have in the garden .
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27 May 22, Harris, Joseph (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Where can I buy perennial sunflowers in Quebec or Ontario (preferably Loddon Gold) My internet search, for now, has been unsuccessful - any help will be most appreciated.
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05 May 21, Lisa (Canada - zone 4a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
My sunflower seedlings are ready to plant outside. Can they withstand a little frost ? Or should I wait to transplant until the end of may
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06 May 21, Anonymous (Canada - zone 4a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Probably you could wait another week or two. Judge by your local conditions.
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See comments for all plants

I’m new at this and just picked a 6ft sunflower roots and all in Texas and I’m going to replant in Arizona Zone9B. How often do they have to be watered?

- Tracey

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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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