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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
22 Feb 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You work out your climate zone from the blue tab at the top of the page. Then go to the plant you want to grow - sun flowers.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Jan 23, brilliant mdunge (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
can I plant sunflower in Southern upper south coast Ixopo Richmond areas ?
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Feb 23, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Find your climate zone then check the planting guide for that climate.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Aug 22, Dylinda Matiga (Australia - tropical climate)
I don't think sunflowers like the tropics, I think they need long days to reach full potential If you start them in March they are scrappy if it's too wet they are scrappy. In Sydney they grow huge every variety In the tropics they are scappy, a couple yellow varieties just reach 6ft I'm in Philippines autumn beauty in Sydney is brilliant but here it's scrappy. I'm experimenting year round with some 20 varieties. Helianthus tuberous would be ideal, I can't get it D Every sunflower l know will grow scrapyif planted in autumn, the flower is yuk But if you know of autumn varieties please inform me Cheers D
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Aug 22, (Australia - tropical climate)
Plant after the wet season. Maybe it is your soil - have good draining soil. Try making a raised row or bed and plant in the top.
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Aug 22, Jennifer Bozick (USA - Zone 6a climate)
When is a good date to start planting Sunflowers in Kansas 6a growing zone?
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Sep 22, (USA - Zone 6a climate)
In the Planting Guide it says APRIL MAY.
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Aug 22, Theresa C. Dougherty (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Can I plant sunflower seeds in mid August to get fall sunflowers .? I live in zone 7 b ,I grow them first in side and plant outside .
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Jun 22, Ruby (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
What about growing media
Reply or Post a new comment
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 .
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 31 - 40 of 171 comments
See comments for all plants

You would probably be better to buy a packet of seed or get a small handful from a produce store (they would likely give it to you). The seed you have may not be sufficiently dry and is likelt to rot. It is getting late to plant sunflowers unless you are in the warmer north of the country. Save your seed for next season or swap it for something else. Trust this helps.

- John

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.