Growing Sunflower

helianthus annuus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing Sunflower in Australia - temperate 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 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

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20 Apr 18, Carol (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Watch out for parrots/cockatoos though! Tie a lightweight fabric bag over the head while you wait for the plant to die back and the seeds to dry
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06 Dec 16, Narelle (Australia - temperate climate)
I've been trying to get some seeds to germinate, without success. Do you have any advice, please? Perhaps I just need to be more patient, though - had them in a heated propagator for a couple of weeks and now have them out in the sun in a warm box. The temperature I'm keeping them at would definitely be between 10 and 30 degrees C.
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07 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Sunflower seed sown directly into the ground should germinate very easily at this time of the year without any heat. Is your seed old? Try again, sowing directly into the ground in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist but not wet and the seedlings should emerge within 7-10 days. Trust this helps.
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01 Dec 16, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a beautiful artichoke plant that has produced about 10 artichokes in recent weeks. Its the 1st time Ive grown an artichoke plant. its coming to the end of its production now. Does it come up again next year? Do I chop it down? Do I leave it ?. Do I remove it from the ground? Would value your advice.
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05 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, if it is a Jerusalem artichoke it will come up again; indeed any small tubers left in the ground will come up! Save or leave some tubers in the ground for next season. If it is a Globe artichoke (like a big thistle plant), leave the leaves to help replenish the plant for next season. Trust this helps.
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28 Sep 16, Samantha (Australia - temperate climate)
I have sunflowers but im confuse what kind of variety it is. Its flower size like my head and the flower sorrounded by small sunflowers like a crown. Just imagine a big sunflower sorrounded by small sunflowers in the tip of petals
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02 Oct 16, Josie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have had the same when I harvested the seeds from the King sunflowers from the season before and planted them. They look mutant !
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04 Oct 16, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Maybe an F1 hybrid so they won't grow true in following generations?
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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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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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Let the plant die back a bit before cutting the seed head off.

- Mike

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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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