When is the ideal time to plant sunflowers?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Plant your sunflowers after your last spring frost, when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F (10-13°C). If you are gardening in a cooler zone, 3-5, you can plant around mid-May. If you live in a warmer climate (zones 9-11) you can plant as early as February. To test soil temperature, insert a kitchen thermometer 4 inches into the soil.
Soil Testing
- pH Range: 6.0-7.5
- Amendment: Add 3 inches compost for clay/sandy soils
- Drainage Check: 1 inch per hour per 12 inches depth
Frost Protection
- Row Covers: Use below 50°F (10°C)
- Mulching: 2 inches straw after planting
- Emergency Plan: Buckets for sudden frosts
To combat pests naturally, spray aphids with 1 tablespoon of dish soap per quart of water. For birds, cover seed heads with a light layer of cheesecloth after they are pollinated. Deer avoid fuzzy-stemmed varieties such as ‘Moulin Rouge' - these also make great living fences at the edges of your garden.
Air-Drying
- Time: 3 weeks
- Method: Hang upside down in ventilated area
- Best For: Seed preservation
Oven-Drying
- Temp: 100°F (38°C) max
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Caution: Over-drying cracks shells
By staggering plantings every 2 weeks with fast-growing ‘Sunrich Gold' (55 days) and late-blooming ‘Taiyo' (75 days), you can provide color continuously from the first buds of June until your last bloom of the year is frost touched in October, thus maximizing your garden.
Read the full article: How to Plant Sunflowers: Expert Guide for Vibrant Blooms
