How to Grow Sunflower

Beginner-Friendly

Helianthus annuus

A warm-season annual grown for cheerful blooms, edible seeds, and pollinator attraction. Tall varieties provide shade and wind protection for smaller crops.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
70–100 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
30 cm / 12"
Sun
6+ hours
Water
1.0" / 25 mm
Fertilization
moderate feeder

Growing Notes

Direct sow after last frost when soil is warm. Heliotropic when young (follows sun). Harvest seed heads when back turns brown and seeds are plump.

Varieties & Cultivars

5 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Classic giant variety

(1)
Mammoth Russian
80–100 days Open-Pollinated

large striped edible seeds; excellent for seed harvest

Height
94–142" (240–360 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
3–10
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Dwarf 60–90 cm

(1)
Teddy Bear
60–75 days Open-Pollinated

ideal for containers and borders

Height
24–35" (60–90 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
3–10
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Heirloom since 1920s

(1)
Knorr's Heritage
70–90 days Open-Pollinated

medium golden blooms; prolific seed producer; classic cut flower

Height
47–59" (120–150 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
3–10
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Multi-branching 150–180 cm plants

(1)
Autumn Beauty
70–80 days Open-Pollinated

many smaller heads; long bloom period

Height
59–71" (150–180 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
3–10
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Record-breaking giant

(1)
American Giant
90–120 days Open-Pollinated

plants reach 450cm tall; large striped seeds; competition variety; stunning display

Height
142–177" (360–450 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
3–10
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside sunflower, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Corn : Both tall crops that attract pollinators; planted together for mutual benefit
Melon : Sunflower pollinator attraction improves melon fruit set
Cucumber : Sunflowers attract pollinators for cucumber flowers and provide light shade
Pepper : Sunflowers attract pollinators that improve pepper fruit set
Okra : Both tall warm-season plants; sunflowers attract pollinators that improve okra set
Squash : Sunflowers attract pollinators and provide wind protection for squash
Beans : Sturdy sunflower stalks provide a natural trellis for pole beans
Artichoke : Sunflowers attract pollinators; both are tall Asteraceae that grow well together
Zucchini : Sunflowers attract pollinators and provide wind protection for zucchini
Watermelon : Sunflower pollinator attraction improves watermelon fruit set
Lettuce : Tall sunflowers provide afternoon shade that prevents lettuce from bolting
Pumpkin : Sunflower pollinator attraction improves pumpkin fruit set

Keep Apart

Potato : Sunflower roots release allelopathic compounds that inhibit potato growth

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

Ready to grow sunflower?

Plan your garden with exact spacing and zone-specific planting dates. An AI companion helps with the rest.

Start Planning Free →