When to plant sunflower in zone 8b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUN

Sow Mar 15 · First harvest May 14 · Wrap by Jun 11

Last spring frostMar 15

Direct sowMar 15

First harvestMay 14

Last harvestJun 11

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 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 8b?

Sunflower matures in about 60–100 days from sowing. In zone 8b that means sowing around Mar 15 and first picking around May 14.

Will sunflower survive frost in zone 8b?

No — sunflower is frost-sensitive. In zone 8b, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

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