How to Grow Sunflower

A warm-season flower for the home garden across the warmer US.

Sunflower is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Sunflower in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the sunflower page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Autumn Beauty, Branching, multi-color cut flowers (Botanical Interests)
• Mammoth, Giant single heads, big seeds (Burpee)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 50 cm (20 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 2 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 4 L per plant every 4 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 30cm+.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids and Caterpillars. In humid regions, Downy mildew and Botrytis can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Sunflower is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant sunflower where you garden.

See also: Sunflower in the plant library →

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