When to plant sunflower in zone 8a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8A

Growing SeasonZone 8a

Last frost ~Mar 25First frost ~Nov 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Mar 25 · First harvest May 24 · Wrap by Jun 21

Last spring frostMar 25

Direct sowMar 25

First harvestMay 24

Last harvestJun 21

First fall frostNov 10

Why these dates work in zone 8a

Zone 8a's last spring frost averages Mar 25 and first fall frost Nov 10 — about 230 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 8a?

Sunflower matures in about 60–100 days from sowing. In zone 8a that means sowing around Mar 25 and first picking around May 24.

Will sunflower survive frost in zone 8a?

No — sunflower is frost-sensitive. In zone 8a, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 25) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 10).

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