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 S
T T T             T T T
P P             P P P P

(Best months for growing Sunflower in South Africa - Summer rainfall 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
13 May 18, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
why sunflower is a popular crop option in marginal areas of South Africa
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02 Oct 17, Jan Brand (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What fertiliser is best for growing sunflowers? Do they also need more potasium? Please help!
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24 Sep 17, Philip Rathbone (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi. Im getting Married in December and my Fiance wants bunches of Sunflowers for the day. I live in Germiston. Where can I buy Sunflowers
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31 Jul 17, Jen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi am I interested in growing sunflowers. I live in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is currently winter but warming up very quickly with Spring coming in September, When is the best time to plant seeds>
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05 Jun 17, Rejoice (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi,my I stay in Limpopo province and would like to know what is the best months to cultivate sunflower. I'm passionate about planting sunflower please help
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09 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Plant sunflower seeds after all frosts are over, if you get them. Sunflowers are fairly tough but will respond to well worked soil with manure or compost added. They will also do better if they get water. Mulch will help save water.
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20 Apr 17, Debbie (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Want to grow sunflowers. I am in Malmesbury in the western cape. When is the best time to grow them. I have awefull clay soil so that i need to sort 1st.
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21 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Looking at the climate for Malmesbury in Western Cape you seem to have fairly mild winters. wait until after any frosts are over then plant your seed. If you have heavy clay soil try and break it up a bit by adding gypsum. I would try and work in about 2kg per square metre. You could also plant field peas or lupins to help break up the soil. These can be forked in when they are flowering. If your soil is really degraded this should help. Alternatively plant some of the shorter varieties that only grow from knee to waist high. Sunflowers are quite tough and respond well to good watering. Trust this helps.
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18 Jan 17, Wil (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi I am an amateur photographer who would like to take some photos of sunflower fields. Are there at that is currently on bloom near Johannesburg? If not, would you be able to guide me on when/where best to go? Thanking you in advance for your time. Regards Wil
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26 Jan 17, Wilma (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Sjoe, with the drought the crobs have not been good. The last nice fields I saw was a few years back travelling on the N1 towards Grasmere toll plaza. Maybe ask on the facebook group Taan's Tuine, Kruie en groente They have over 30 000 members who can help.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 28 comments
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Read the notes here about when to plant, how long it takes from planting to harvest. Probably can grow in most places. Animals if hungry will probably eat them. How big the flower grows will depend on how well the plant grows to some extent.( And the variety) If first attempt at growing you probably have little chance at producing flowers on a certain date.

- 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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