Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
55-75 (Spring/Summer), 60-90 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Half Hardy

Sunflowers will tolerate light frost.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Spring, Summer
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Warm, Hot

Sunflowers needs rich soil for good growth. They prefer full sun (though they will tolerate light shade). The taller varieties need shelter from the wind and should be placed where they won't cast unwanted shade on other plants.

Outdoor Growing Temp
55°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
50°F

Don't plant out until the soil is at least 50˚ F (and preferably 60˚ F).

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Water
Moderate

Sunflowers are thirsty plants and for maximum production they need a constant supply of water.

Feeder
Heavy

Low nitrogen. High phosphorus. High potassium. Sunflowers like phosphorus and potassium, but not too much nitrogen as it may encourage leaf growth rather than flowering.

Suitability
High heat
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes

Sow seeds directly into pots filled with well moistened, good quality potting mix. Thin seedlings to no more than 1 plant per 8" pot (in diameter), or 3 plants per 12" pot (in diameter) in containers that are at least 12" deep.

For large planters, space plants 6" apart. Extra seedlings can be potted up for more containers, planted in the garden, or given as gifts to friends or family.

Attracts beneficial insects?
Yes
Color
Yellow
Fruit Size
8.0 - 10.0"
Plant Height
18.0 - 24.0"
Plant Diameter
8.0 - 12.0"
Hardiness Zone
4-9
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile
Rotation Group
Flowers