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🌻 Growing Sunflower in Zone 11a

Zone 11a has a year-round growing season. Sunflower can be planted almost any time with proper planning. Last frost: Jan 28. First frost: Dec 22.

Planting Calendar

Indoor

Outdoor

Harvest

Jan 7Dec 22

Season: Jan 28 – Dec 22 (328 days) · Succession: plant every 2 weeks (up to 17x)

Zone11a

Last FrostJan 28

First FrostDec 22

Season Length328 days

Days to Harvest90

SunFull Sun

Frost ToleranceNone

Spacing1/sqft (12" apart)

When to Plant Sunflower in Zone 11a

Start Seeds Indoors: Jan 7

Start Sunflower seeds indoors around Jan 7 (3 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 75°F. Germinates in 7–14 days.

Transplant Outdoors: Feb 4

Transplant Sunflower seedlings outdoors after Feb 4. Wait until soil temperature reaches 55°F. Space plants at 1/sqft (12" apart). Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.

Harvest: Apr 10

First harvest approximately Apr 10 (~65 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Dec 22).

Companion Planting

✅ Cucumbers✅ Squash ✅ Corn✅ Beans

❌ Potatoes

Sunflower in Other Zones

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13b

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sunflower in Zone 11a?

Start Sunflower seeds indoors around Jan 7. Transplant outdoors after Feb 4. Expect first harvest around Apr 10.

What is the last frost date for Zone 11a?

The average last spring frost date for Zone 11a is Jan 28. The first fall frost averages Dec 22, giving a 328-day growing season.

Can I grow Sunflower in Zone 11a?

Yes. Sunflower needs 90 days to harvest. Zone 11a has a 328-day growing season, which is sufficient. You can plant up to 17 successions.

What is the best month to plant Sunflower in Zone 11a?

The best time to start Sunflower in Zone 11a is Jan. Begin seeds indoors around Jan 7, then transplant outdoors after the last frost date of Jan 28.

What companion plants grow well with Sunflower?

Good companion plants for Sunflower include Cucumbers, Squash, Corn, Beans. Avoid planting Sunflower near Potatoes.

How long does Sunflower take to harvest?

Sunflower takes approximately 90 days from planting to harvest. In Zone 11a, expect your first harvest around Apr 10.

Plan Your Sunflower Garden

Track Sunflower from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

Start Free Sunflower Growing Guide