Growing Sunflower

helianthus annuus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing Sunflower in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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

31 Mar 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 7a climate)
You can work out your climate zone from the blue tab then go to sunflower page.
27 Dec 20, Tess (Australia - tropical climate)
I live on Horn Island on the tip of Cape York, is the best time to plant the seeds after the wet season in April?
05 Jan 21, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Not too many plants like wet soggy soil. Read the notes here.
20 Sep 20, Anita (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When is the best time to plant giant sunflowers in the Southern Highlands, NSW?
27 Sep 20, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Go to cool/mountain climate zone and check the planting guide at the top of the page.
25 Aug 20, Josie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi! Wondering if it’s too earlie to plant giant Russians , I’m just north of Byron bay in the mountains, nights are still getting below 10 degrees and the soil in my garden is red clay type soil mixed with soil improvers, too cold still?
26 Aug 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm sub-tropical and I have seeds germinating now (night temps av around 9-10 (7-14) and day temps around 23-24 (21-28)). Hold off for another week or two and then give it a go. We may have another cold period before winter is finished.
05 Jul 20, Ann Carson (USA - Zone 8b climate)
What kind of soil best for sunflowers? I planted afew times that begin growing then rodents eat top of sunflowers. Same as radishes too.How do i solve the problems?
01 Jul 20, Emma (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I was hoping for some planting advice, how many seeds in each amount of soil?! Is it a good time to plant the seeds now in winter nice and deep to get the best results come spring time? Thanks Perth WA
06 Jul 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Plant seeds 50-60cm apart and rows 60-80cm apart. You can plant two seeds and then reduce to one after germination. If good seeds just one is required each 60-60cm. Don't plant until spring as you need a lot warmer soil than what it is now. Do not plant seeds deeper than what is suggested.
Showing 61 - 70 of 173 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Sunflower

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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. GardenGrow 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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.