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Sunflower Growing Guide
Asteraceae family
Days to Harvest90 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceNone
Spacing1/sqft (12" apart)
Germination7-14 days
HardinessTender
Germ. Temp75°F
Start Indoors3 weeks before last frost
Companion Planting
Avoid Planting Near
PotatoesGrowth Stages
- Seedling
- Vegetative Growth
- Flowering
- Fruiting / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | May 4 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | Aug 5 |
| Zone 1b | May 4 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | Aug 5 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 24 | May 22 | May 22 | Jul 26 |
| Zone 2b | May 4 | Jun 1 | Jun 1 | Aug 5 |
| Zone 3a | May 1 | May 29 | May 29 | Aug 2 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 24 | May 22 | May 22 | Jul 26 |
| Zone 4a | Apr 14 | May 12 | May 12 | Jul 16 |
| Zone 4b | Apr 10 | May 8 | May 8 | Jul 12 |
| Zone 5a | Apr 7 | May 5 | May 5 | Jul 9 |
| Zone 5b | Apr 7 | May 5 | May 5 | Jul 9 |
| Zone 6a | Apr 7 | May 5 | May 5 | Jul 9 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | Jun 26 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 25 | Apr 22 | Apr 22 | Jun 26 |
| Zone 7b | Mar 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 17 | Jun 21 |
| Zone 8a | Mar 15 | Apr 12 | Apr 12 | Jun 16 |
| Zone 8b | Mar 1 | Mar 29 | Mar 29 | Jun 2 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 27 | Mar 27 | Mar 27 | May 31 |
| Zone 9b | Feb 17 | Mar 17 | Mar 17 | May 21 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 30 | Feb 27 | Feb 27 | May 3 |
| Zone 10b | Jan 7 | Feb 4 | Feb 4 | Apr 10 |
| Zone 11a | Jan 7 | Feb 4 | Feb 4 | Apr 10 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 22 | Mar 28 |
| Zone 12a | Dec 11 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 14 |
| Zone 12b | Dec 11 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 14 |
| Zone 13a | Dec 11 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 14 |
| Zone 13b | Dec 11 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Sunflower?
Sunflower takes approximately 90 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Sunflower need?
Sunflower requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Sunflower?
Plant Sunflower at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Sunflower survive frost?
Sunflower is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Sunflower?
Good companion plants for Sunflower include Cucumbers, Squash, Corn, Beans. Avoid planting near Potatoes.
How long does Sunflower take to germinate?
Sunflower seeds germinate in 7-14 days at an optimal temperature of 75°F.
When should I start Sunflower seeds indoors?
Start Sunflower seeds indoors 3 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 1 week after last frost.
Plan Your Sunflower Garden
Track Sunflower from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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