When to plant sunflower in zone 10a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAY

Sow Jan 31 · First harvest Apr 1 · Wrap by Apr 29

Last spring frostJan 31

Direct sowJan 31

First harvestApr 1

Last harvestApr 29

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Sunflower is frost-sensitive, so the around last frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost.

Common questions

How long does sunflower take to grow in zone 10a?

Sunflower matures in about 60–100 days from sowing. In zone 10a that means sowing around Jan 31 and first picking around Apr 1.

Will sunflower survive frost in zone 10a?

No — sunflower is frost-sensitive. In zone 10a, wait until after the last frost (around Jan 31) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full sunflower growing guide →