When to plant sunflower in zone 6a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow Apr 30 · First harvest Jun 29 · Wrap by Jul 27

Last spring frostApr 30

Direct sowApr 30

First harvestJun 29

Last harvestJul 27

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 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 6a?

Sunflower matures in about 60–100 days from sowing. In zone 6a that means sowing around Apr 30 and first picking around Jun 29.

Will sunflower survive frost in zone 6a?

No — sunflower is frost-sensitive. In zone 6a, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 30) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

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