Planting & Germinating Sunflower Seeds: Tips for Success

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Plus, learn how to care for your sunflowers & harvest their seeds
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If you’ve ever driven past a sprawling field of sunflowers or seen them peeking up over the fence of someone’s yard, you know how beautiful and eye-catching they are. They’re also really easy to grow. This article will walk you through how to plant your sunflower seeds and care for them as they grow and bloom. Plus, we spoke with the plant experts at Artemisia Nursery to learn the best way to plant and grow sunflowers. By following their advice, you’ll have bright, beautiful sunflower blooms of your very own in just a few months!

Planting Sunflower Seeds: Quick Tips

Wait for outdoor temperatures above 64ºF (18ºC). Then, plant the sunflower seeds in holes 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep and 6 inches (15 cm) apart in a sunny spot in your garden. Keep the soil consistently moist, then cut back to watering once a week once the seedlings sprout.

Section 1 of 7:

Planting Sunflower Seeds

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  1. Artemisia Nursery says, “Sunflowers do best when they're grown directly in the soil.” Sunflower roots are sensitive to being moved, so transplanting them may kill them. They grow best at temperatures between 64 and 91ºF (18–33ºC). Only plant at slightly lower temperatures once the last frost has passed. [1]
    • Sunflowers usually take 70 to 120 days to mature and produce new seeds, depending on the variety. If the growing season is shorter than this in your area, plant the sunflowers two weeks before the last frost. [2]
  2. Sunflowers grow best with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day, away from trees, walls, and other objects that block sunlight. [3] They grow well in well-draining average garden soils. Sunflowers grow long taproots that may rot if the soil is waterlogged. Dig a hole 2 feet (0.6 meters) deep to check for hard, compacted soil. If you find any, try mixing compost into your soil bed to improve the drainage. [4]
    • If your soil is especially poor and you’ve had bad luck growing anything in it or if you’re growing giant sunflower varieties, mix rich, loamy soil into your planting area.
    • There is rarely any need to adjust your soil pH, but if you already own a pH kit, you may adjust it to between 6.0 and 6.8. [5]
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  3. . Plant the seeds in holes or trenches one inch (2.5 cm) deep, or 2 inches (5 cm) if the soil is loose and sandy. Keep seeds at least 6 inches (15 cm) from each other, to give each one enough space to grow. If you only have a few seeds and don't want to thin out the weaker plants later, plant them 1 foot (30 cm) apart instead, or up to 1.5 feet (46 cm) for giant varieties. Cover the seeds with soil after planting. [6]
    • If you are planting a large sunflower crop, space each trench 30 inches (76 cm) apart, or at any distance convenient for your machinery.
  4. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet, until the sprouts emerge from the soil. While the sprouts are still small and fragile, water 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) away from the plant, to encourage root growth without washing the plants away. [7]
  5. Once the plants have formed stems and established root systems, reduce the watering frequency to once a week. Water generously during the weekly session, and increase the amount of water in dry weather. Sunflowers require more water than most other annual flowers. [8]
    • The period before and after your plant grows flower buds is a critical time, and not getting enough water may damage it. [9] Continue to water your sunflowers weekly once the flower buds start to form.
  6. Once the flowers are about 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall, remove the smaller, weaker flowers until the remainder are spaced at least 1 foot (30 cm) apart. This will give the larger, healthier sunflowers more space and nutrients, resulting in taller stalks and larger blooms.
    • Skip this step for smaller blooms to arrange in bouquets or if you planted at this spacing to begin with.
  7. If you are growing sunflowers for your own enjoyment, fertilization is not recommended since they grow well without it and suffer if overfed. If you are trying to grow extra-tall sunflowers or growing them as a crop, dilute the fertilizer in water and pour it into a "moat" around the plant, well away from the base or at least 8 inches (20 cm). A balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer are the best options. [10]
  8. Support plants over 3 feet (0.9 m) and varieties that produce multiple branches with stakes. Tie the stalk loosely to the stake using a cloth or other soft material. [11]
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Section 2 of 7:

Germinating Sunflower Seeds in a Pot

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  1. Artemisia Nursery recommends using as large a container as possible to grow the sunflower. Select a pot 12-16 inches (30-41 cm) wide with drainage holes in the bottom. If you don’t use a pot with drainage holes, the seeds may stay too wet and rot. Place a plate or tin pie pan under the container to catch run-off water.
    • Most dwarf and medium-sized sunflower varieties require pots that are 12 to 16 in (30 to 41 cm) wide, while Mammoth sunflowers need at least a 5-gallon (19 l) container . [12]
    • Drill a hole through the bottom of a clay pot that doesn’t already have one.
    • Make sure to thoroughly clean plant containers before using them.
  2. Sunflowers don’t do well if they sit in too-wet soil, so make sure to use a well-draining potting soil mix designed for starting seeds. [13] When using well-draining soil, adding rocks or sand is not necessary and may prevent proper drainage. [14]
    • When choosing a potting mix, check the bag for a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 and more than 3% organic content. [15]
  3. When planting 1 seed per pot, push it gently into the soil at the center of the container. If you’re planting multiple dwarf sunflowers in the same pot, make sure they’re 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Space seeds for medium-sized varieties 1 foot (30 cm) apart and mammoth varieties 2 feet (61 cm) apart. [16]
    • Don’t forget to space seeds at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) from the edge of the pot.
  4. Sunflowers do best with 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. Find a sunny spot in your home or invest in a grow light to make sure they get plenty of light. While they’re germinating, water seeds every day to keep the soil moist. Just make sure you don’t make it overly wet. [17]
    • Watch for standing water in your pot. It might indicate a drainage problem. If you see standing water, repot the plant in a new pot with more drainage using loose, well-draining soil.
    • The seeds generally germinate in 7-10 days. Continue light daily watering during this time to encourage growth. [18]
  5. Artemisia Nursery says pot-grown sunflowers do best when they’re transplanted while they’re still small. They recommend waiting until the plant grows the first true leaves after the initial set of seed leaves. Choose a location with plenty of sun and well-draining soil. Plant them at the same depth they are in the pot, spaced 18-24 inches (46-61 cm) apart. Water daily until the plants are established. [19]
    • If you start seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area, they’re safe to move outside once the seeds are fully sprouted.
    • Move the seedlings outside 1 week before planting them in the ground. Increase the amount of time they spend outside for 3-4 days.
    • Allow them to spend another 3 full days outside before transplanting them to the ground.
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Section 3 of 7:

Sprouting Sunflower Seeds

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  1. Moisten a paper towel slightly so it is damp but not soaked or dripping. Place the sunflower seeds on one half of the towel, then fold it over or loosely roll it to cover them. [20]
    • If you have a large number of sunflower seeds and don't mind a lower success rate, skip straight to planting. Seeds planted directly in the soil typically take 11 days to emerge. [21]
    • If you have a long growing season, try sprouting sunflower seeds in batches one or two weeks apart so you'll have blooms in your garden for a longer period of time.
  2. Put the damp paper towels in a plastic bag. Check on them once or twice a day, and continue once the seeds have sprouted. Typically, you'll see sprouts emerge from most of the seeds within 48 hours. Once this happens, move on to planting the seeds. [22]
    • Keep the paper towels at a temperature above 50ºF (10ºC) for best results.
  3. If the seeds don't sprout within two or three days, try using a fingernail clipper to remove the edge of the shell. Be careful not to damage the seed inside. Add a few more drops of water if the paper towels are drying out.
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Section 4 of 7:

Common Sunflower Problems

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  1. Birds, squirrels, and snails love sunflower seeds and may dig them up even before the sprouts have emerged. Cover the ground with netting to make this more difficult without blocking sprouts. Place snail bait or snail repellent in a circle to form a barrier around your planting area. [23]
    • If deer are in your area, encircle the plants with chicken wire once they start growing leaves. Use a 36-inch (91 cm) piece of chicken wire to surround the leaves. Get a few 6-foot (1.8 m) bamboo poles or wooden stakes to raise the chicken wire as the sunflowers grow. This protects them from deer.
    • Watch for small, gray sunflower moths and use an insecticide as soon as you see moths when your flowers are blooming. [24]
    • Sunflower moth larvae destroy the florets and predispose the flower to Rhizopus head rot.
  2. Sunflowers are susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, black spot, and rust. This can affect their overall health and how many seeds they produce. Weekly spraying with undiluted vinegar is effective against powdery mildew. Black spot and rust require a preventative application of neem oil spray . [25]
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Section 5 of 7:

Choosing Sunflower Varieties

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  1. There are many sunflower varieties and hybrids, but most gardeners only look at a couple of characteristics, like height or color, usually listed on the seed packet or online listing. Sunflower height ranges from dwarf varieties under 1 foot (30 cm) to giant sunflowers 15 ft (4.6 m) or taller. If you're going to grow the sunflower in a container for its whole life, choose a dwarf variety or other smaller variety if possible, recommends Artemisia Nursery. Also, decide whether you want a traditional yellow sunflower or a more unusual color. Different sunflower varieties produce one stalk and flower or branch out into multiple stalks with several smaller blooms. A few popular varieties of sunflowers are:
    • Mammoth: This large variety grows from 7-12 feet (2-3.5 m) tall with 12-inch (30.5 cm) flower heads that feature bright yellow petals. [26]
    • Moulin Rouge: This sunflower has burgundy petals with an ebony center and grows up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. [27]
    • Elf or Dwarf: Elf sunflowers grow 1-2 feet (30.5-61 cm) tall with orange or yellow blooms. [28]
    • Lemon Queen: This variety features lemon-yellow petals around a deep-brown base. They grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) wide with many stalks and 8 feet (2.5 m) tall. [29]
Section 6 of 7:

Harvesting Sunflower Seeds

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  1. Sunflower blooms often last 30–45 days. Toward the end of this period, the green back of the flower head begins to turn brown. This is the best time to harvest the seeds . To gather seeds for roasting or for next year's planting, cover the flowers with paper bags to protect them from birds. Cut off the flowers once they’re fully dry. [30]
    • Lay the flowers on a flat surface and rub your hand over the seeded area. Then, use your fingers or a fork to pull the seeds off the flower.
    • Store seeds for planting in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant.
    • If left alone, the flowers will drop seeds for next year's crop. However, harvesting them yourself guarantees protection from pests.
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Section 7 of 7:

Cutting Sunflowers for Bouquets

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  1. All flowers are best cut first thing in the morning when their stems are full of water and full to the touch. This gives them a longer life in the vase. Make sure to have a bucket of water to place the flower in immediately after cutting it. [31]
    • Always use clean, sharp clippers or shears to cut the stems at a 45-degree angle for the best results.
    • Do not use kitchen scissors, which will crush the flower’s vascular system.
  2. Choose a tall vase or container to help support the stems. Cut the bottom of the stems again, keeping the end underwater if possible. [32]
    • To keep your sunflowers looking their best, add 1 teaspoon (4.2 g) of sugar, 2 tablespoons (29.5 mL) of lemon juice, and/or 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of vinegar to the water.
  3. To keep your sunflowers healthy and vibrant for as long as possible, change out the water solution and re-trim the stems every day. If the flowers begin to droop, trimming the stems short and placing them in warm water may revive them. [33]
    • Adding a copper penny to the water may help decrease the pH of the water and kill some microorganisms. Just make sure it’s from before 1981, so there’s more copper in it. [34]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    I live in Texas. When should I plant my seeds?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can start planting sunflower seeds in March in Texas.
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  • Question
    Can I start planting sunflowers in June?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    If you live in an area that does not experience winter, you could plant in June. Otherwise plant in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
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  • Question
    Can sunflowers tolerate shade?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Sunflowers can tolerate a little shade if there is no choice. However, they grow best in full sun and may experience stunted growth or small flowers if they grow in too much shade, or even fail to thrive. If you do have a spot that has some shade, ensure the soil is rich to make up for the shadiness.
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      Warnings

      • Sunflowers produce chemicals that inhibit the growth of nearby potatoes and pole beans and potentially kill grass if allowed to build up. These chemicals are otherwise harmless.
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      • Don't plant it up against brickwork, as stalks may grow between bricks and damage the wall.
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      • It is not possible to grow plants from roasted sunflower seeds. Grow plants from sunflower seeds in bird seed, as long as the outer shell is present.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1121&title=growing-sunflowers-in-the-home-garden
      2. ↑ https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/ym102
      3. ↑ https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/ym102
      4. ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/gardening-children-schools/family-activities/grow-it/grow/sunflower
      5. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1121&title=growing-sunflowers-in-the-home-garden
      6. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/sunflowers
      7. ↑ https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/sunflower-production-guide
      8. ↑ https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/sunflower-production-guide
      9. ↑ https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/sunflower.html
      1. ↑ https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/fertilizing-sunflower
      2. ↑ https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-do/activities/how-to-grow-sunflowers
      3. ↑ https://www.gardeningblog.net/how-to-grow/sunflowers/
      4. ↑ https://www.extension.iastate.edu/alternativeag/sunflower
      5. ↑ https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/container-drainage.pdf
      6. ↑ https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2009/9/Selecting-Good-Top-Soil-for-Lawns-and-Gardens/
      7. ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/sunflowers-helianthus-annuus
      8. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1121
      9. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/sunflowers
      10. ↑ https://meadowlarkjournal.com/blog/when-is-the-best-time-to-plant-sunflowers
      11. ↑ https://www.floridatoday.com/story/life/2020/05/15/heres-easy-fun-way-germinate-seeds-paper-towel/5202823002/
      12. ↑ https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PP-03.pdf
      13. ↑ https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-01-20-are-my-seeds-still-good-testing-seed-germination
      14. ↑ https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/sunflower-production-guide
      15. ↑ https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/resources/management-guides/managing-insect-pests-of-texas-sunflowers/
      16. ↑ https://www.bbg.org/article/least-toxic_controls_of_plant_diseases
      17. ↑ https://txmg.org/hendersonmg/plant-library/sunflower-mammoth/
      18. ↑ https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantcollections/plantfinder/helianthus_annuus_moulin_rouge--moulin_rouge_sunflower
      19. ↑ https://garden.org/plants/view/231046/Dwarf-Sunflower-Helianthus-annuus-Elf/
      20. ↑ https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantcollections/plantfinder/helianthus_lemon_queen--lemon_queen_perennial_sunflower
      21. ↑ https://schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk/Resources/Info-Sheet/Sunflower-growing
      22. ↑ https://www.bbg.org/article/cut-flower_care
      23. ↑ https://www.coshoctonsunflowerfestival.com/care-for-cut-sunflowers
      24. ↑ https://www.coshoctonsunflowerfestival.com/care-for-cut-sunflowers
      25. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3067274

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to plant sunflower seeds, wait until all danger of frost has passed, then germinate the seeds by folding them in a damp paper towel for 2-3 days. When you’re choosing a location for your sunflowers, look for an area with deep drainage and which receives 6-8 hours of full sun a day. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet, until the sprouts emerge from the soil, and water 3-4 inches away from new sprouts so the plants don’t wash away. Reduce your watering frequency to once a week when the sunflowers have formed stems. For tips from our gardening reviewer on harvesting the seeds, read on!

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