When to plant sunflower in zone 9a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAYJUN

Sow Feb 28 · First harvest Apr 29 · Wrap by May 27

Last spring frostFeb 28

Direct sowFeb 28

First harvestApr 29

Last harvestMay 27

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 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 9a?

Sunflower matures in about 60–100 days from sowing. In zone 9a that means sowing around Feb 28 and first picking around Apr 29.

Will sunflower survive frost in zone 9a?

No — sunflower is frost-sensitive. In zone 9a, wait until after the last frost (around Feb 28) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

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